cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-task Crowdsourcing via an Optimization Framework

The unprecedented amounts of data have catalyzed the trend of combining human insights with machine learning techniques, which facilitate the use of crowdsourcing to enlist label information both effectively and efficiently. One crucial challenge in crowdsourcing is the diverse worker quality, which determines the accuracy of the label information provided by such workers. Motivated by the observations that same set of tasks are typically labeled by the same set of workers, we studied their behaviors across multiple related tasks and proposed an optimization framework for learning from task and worker dual heterogeneity. The proposed method uses a weight tensor to represent the workers’ behaviors across multiple tasks, and seeks to find the optimal solution of the tensor by exploiting its structured information. Then, we propose an iterative algorithm to solve the optimization problem and analyze its computational complexity. To infer the true label of an example, we construct a worker ensemble based on the estimated tensor, whose decisions will be weighted using a set of entropy weight. We also prove that the gradient of the most time-consuming updating block is separable with respect to the workers, which leads to a randomized algorithm with faster speed. Moreover, we extend the learning framework to accommodate to the multi-class setting. Finally, we test the performance of our framework on several datasets, and demonstrate its superiority over state-of-the-art techniques.
Can an Immersion Exhibit Inspire Connection to Nature and Environmentally Responsible Behavior

Nature centers, museums, zoos, and other exhibit-based institutions need to sustain or increase visitation for economic viability. To generate visitor interest, exhibits have become more interactiv...
Burnout and Resilience Among Neurosciences Critical Care Unit Staff.

Preventing burnout and promoting resiliency are important for health professionals’ well-being and quality of patient care, as individuals with high levels of burnout are more likely to self-report suboptimal patient interactions. The purpose of this study was to characterize resiliency and burnout among health care professionals in the neurosciences critical care unit (NCCU) at a tertiary care center. All NCCU clinical staff were invited to participate in a Qualtrics® electronic survey between November 2016 and August 2017. The survey assessed burnout using the abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI) and resiliency using the ten-question Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10). Higher scores on each aMBI subsection (range 0–18) indicate higher levels of each characteristic; larger resiliency scores (range 0–40) indicate higher resiliency. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test and continuous variables using the Mann–Whitney U test or independent samples t test. A total of 65 participants (65/70, 93%) were included in the final analysis. Of respondents, 49 (75%) were nurses, 49 (75%) were female, and mean age was 34 years. Median emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment scores were as follows: 8 (IQR 6–11), 3 (IQR 0–6), and 15 (IQR 13–16). High emotional exhaustion scores and high depersonalization scores were reported in 45% (n = 29) and 28% (n = 18) of participants, respectively. Longer time working in the NCCU (1–5 years vs. less than 1 year) was independently associated with higher emotional exhaustion scores (p = 0.012). When compared to agnostic/atheist backgrounds, Catholicism was independently associated with higher personal accomplishment scores (p = 0.026). The median resiliency score was 31 (IQR 28–36). Older age was independently associated with higher resiliency scores (p = 0.044). This study is the first to characterize levels of burnout and resiliency among NCCU providers. A significant minority of participants reported high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, with those working longer in the NCCU more likely to experience emotional exhaustion. Efforts to improve the current work environments to optimally support the emotional needs of staff are needed to allow care providers to thrive and to promote longevity among NCCU providers.
Sirolimus and Other Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors Directly Activate Latent Pathogenic Human Polyomavirus Replication.

BACKGROUND Human polyomaviruses can reactivate in transplant patients, causing nephropathy, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Merkel cell carcinoma, pruritic, rash or trichodysplasia spinulosa. Sirolimus and related mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are transplant immunosuppressants. It is unknown if they directly reactivate polyomavirus replication from latency beyond their general effects on immunosuppression. METHODS In vitro expression and turnover of large T (LT) proteins from BK virus, JC virus (JCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), human polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7), and trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSV) after drug treatment were determined by immunoblotting, proximity ligation, replicon DNA replication, and whole virus immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS mTOR inhibition increased LT protein expression for all 5 pathogenic polyomaviruses tested. This correlated with LT stabilization, decrease in the S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) E3 ligase targeting these LT proteins for degradation, and increase in virus replication for JCV, MCV, TSV, and HPyV7. Treatment with sirolimus, but not the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus, at levels routinely achieved in patients, resulted in a dose-dependent increase in viral DNA replication for BKV, MCV, and HPyV7. CONCLUSIONS mTOR inhibitors, at therapeutic levels, directly activate polyomavirus replication through a Skp2-dependent mechanism, revealing a proteostatic latency mechanism common to polyomaviruses. Modifying existing drug regimens for transplant patients with polyomavirus-associated diseases may reduce symptomatic polyomavirus replication while maintaining allograft-sparing immunosuppression.
Program Directors Survey on Diversity in Cardiovascular Training Programs

Abstract Background Women and minorities are under-represented in cardiovascular disease (CVD) specialties. It remains unknown how characteristics of the CVD learning environment affect diversity and how program directors (PDs) approach these critical issues. Objectives The second annual Cardiovascular PD Survey aimed to investigate characteristics of the CVD learning environment that may affect diversity and strategies PDs use to approach these issues. Methods The survey contained 20 questions examining U.S.-based CVD PD perceptions of diversity in CVD and related characteristics of the CVD fellowship learning environment. Results In total, 58% of PDs completed the survey. Responding programs demonstrated geographic diversity. The majority were university-based or -affiliated. A total of 86% of PDs felt diversity in CVD as a field needs to increase, and 70% agreed that training programs could play a significant role in this. In total, 89% of PDs have attempted to increase diversity in fellowship recruitment. The specific strategies used were associated with PD sex and the presence of under-represented minority trainees in the program. PDs identified lack of qualified candidates and overall culture of cardiology as the 2 most significant barriers to augmenting diversity. A majority of programs have support systems in place for minority fellows or specific gender groups, including procedures to report issues of harassment or an unsafe learning environment. PDs identified shared best practices for recruitment and implicit bias training, among others, as important resources in their efforts to support diversity in CVD training. Conclusions Diversity is important to CVD PDs. They are striving to increase it in their programs through recruitment and strategies directed toward the fellowship learning environment. The CVD community has opportunities to standardize strategies and provide national resources to support PDs in these critical efforts.
Chemical Hygiene and Safety Badge for an Upper-Level Laboratory Course

Developing a broadly based positive culture of safety in undergraduate instructional laboratory settings remains a significant challenge for chemical educators. An enhanced safety component has been developed for an upper-level laboratory course based on earning a Chemical Hygiene and Safety badge. The badge requires student engagement in interpreting the standard forms of hazard documentation, performing safety inspections of laboratory spaces, and understanding the principles of hazardous waste disposal. Several associated curricular activities are also described. The impact of the improvements to the safety curriculum was assessed by surveying students who had just completed the course and retrospective evaluations from alumni who took the course. Students who completed the badge reported a greater competence with and confidence in laboratory safety principles.
The unintended consequences of promising black Americans reparations

In this article, I offer the opposing view (con-side) against reparations for American slavery, as if in a forensic debate before a moot court: I presume the American public will judge the merits of my opposing arguments. I oppose reparations for slavery based on: 1) the legal standard of culpability, 2) the “clean-hands doctrine, 3) Black people who were themselves slave owners, and 4) fairness in the administration of justice. While anyone else is welcome to argue the pro-side, I argue the con-side of the following proposition: America owes Black Americans reparations because of its history of plantation slavery, which has privileged White Americans economically over Black Americans. I provide a plethora of evidence that reparations and justice are incompatible in the application of American justice. Moreover, any law requiring reparations for slavery could create an unintended liability for far too many Black Americans whose ancestry extends far beyond Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Consumption Rate of Interest and the Numbers Effect

This paper explores how the number of people affected can influence the determination of the Consumption Rate of Interest (CRI). To date the current literature has focused only on numbers in an intergenerational context, via concern with population size. These papers are summarized showing the commonality of the various approaches. From there, the role of numbers in an intragenerational setting is developed. The main result is that the "numbers effect" proper (the number of uncompensated osers from a project) raises the value of the CRI.
Influence of solution phase environmental heterogeneity and fluctuations on vibronic spectra: Perylene diimide molecular chromophore complexes in solution

Ensembles of ab initio parameterized Frenkel-exciton model Hamiltonians for different perylene diimide dimer systems are used, together with various dissipative quantum dynamics approaches, to study the influence of the solvation environment and fluctuations in chromophore relative orientation and packing on the vibronic spectra of two different dimer systems: a π-stacked dimer in aqueous solution in which the relative chromophore geometry is strongly confined by a phosphate bridge and a side-by-side dimer in dichloromethane involving a more flexible alkyne bridge that allows quasi-free rotation of the chromophores relative to one another. These entirely first-principles calculations are found to accurately reproduce the main features of the experimental absorption spectra, providing a detailed mechanistic understanding of how the structural fluctuations and environmental interactions influence the vibronic dynamics and spectroscopy of solutions of these multi-chromophore complexes.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) presents as repetitive interruptions of ventilation >10 seconds during sleep as a result of upper airway obstruction resulting in increased respiratory effort. Intermittent hypoxia causes physiologic changes resulting in increased catecholamine production, increased total peripheral resistance, tachycardia, and increased venous return, leading to increased cardiac output, hypertension, tachyarrhythmias, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure. OSA causes an abnormal dip on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Definitive diagnosis is made by polysomnography. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the first-line treatment. Effective treatment using CPAP reduces blood pressure and is indispensable for proper management of atrial fibrillation.
Metformin Therapy in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Feasibility Study

ABSTRACT Rationale & Objective Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited disorder that leads to kidney failure and has few treatment options. Metformin is well tolerated and safe in other patient populations. The primary objective of this clinical trial was to determine the safety and tolerability of metformin in patients with ADPKD and without diabetes mellitus. Study Design Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Setting & Participants N=51 adults 30-60 years of age with ADPKD, without diabetes, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 50-80 mL/min/1.73 m2. Intervention Metformin (maximum dose 2,000 mg/day) or placebo for 12 months. Outcomes Co-primary endpoints were the percentage of participants in each group prescribed at the end of the 12-month period: (a) the full randomized dose, and (b) at least 50% of the randomized dose. Secondary and exploratory outcomes were the effect of metformin compared to placebo on (a) percent change in TKV referenced to height (htTKV in mL/m) and (b) change in eGFR over a 12-month period. Results Mean age was 48 ± 8 years and eGFR was 70 ± 14 mL/min/1.73m 2 . The metformin group had no cases of lactic acidosis and there was one episode of mild hypoglycemia in each group. Participants in the metformin group reported more adverse symptoms, mostly related to gastrointestinal symptoms. 11 of 22 (50%) of metformin-treated participants completed the treatment phase on the full dose compared to 23 of 23 (100%) in the placebo group. 82% of participants on metformin tolerated at least 50% of the dose, compared to 100% in the placebo group. In exploratory analyses, changes in height-adjusted total kidney volume or eGFR were not significantly different between groups. Limitations Short study duration. Conclusions 50% or more of the maximal metformin dose was safe and well tolerated over 12 months in patients with ADPKD. Safety of other preparations of metformin as well as its efficacy should be tested in future clinical trials.
Characteristics of Cancer-Related Fatigue and Concomitant Sleep Disturbance in Cancer Patients.

Abstract Context Cancer patients often experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and sleep disturbances due to cancer and cancer treatment, and symptoms can persist long after treatment. Despite these common occurrences, few studies simultaneously characterize CRF and sleep architecture among cancer patients. Objectives The objective was to characterize CRF and the sleep architecture of patients seen in a CRF clinic and sleep clinic at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Methods CRF Clinic medical records were retrospectively reviewed from September 1, 2006, to September 30, 2010, for self-reported performance status, fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and sleepiness (n = 219). Polysomnography results were recorded for those referred for additional sleep consultation (n = 39). Results Notably, patients often reported fatigue, sleep disturbance, excessive daytime sleepiness, and a majority of patients referred for a sleep consultation were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (n = 33). Conclusion The results highlight the promise of an interdisciplinary collaboration between dedicated a CRF clinic and sleep clinic to conduct effective assessments to identify treatable CRF and sleep disorders.
Accumulation of auranofin in white adipose tissues lowers leptin levels and exerts anti-diabetic effects

Low-grade, sustained inflammation in white adipose tissue (WAT) characterizes obesity and frequently coincides with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, pharmacological targeting of WAT inflammation lacks durable therapeutic effects. Through a computational screen, we identified the FDA-approved rheumatoid arthritis drug auranofin is a putative small molecule for obesity treatment. We discovered that allometrically scaled safe auranofin doses homed to WAT and improved insulin sensitivity in obese wild-type mice. Auranofin treatment also normalized other obesity-associated abnormalities, including hepatic steatosis and hyperinsulinemia. Surprisingly, the anti-diabetic effects of auranofin required leptin lowering and beta-adrenergic receptors in WAT. These metabolic benefits of leptin reduction were superior to any immune impacts of auranofin in WAT. Our studies reveal important metabolic properties of anti-inflammatory treatments and contribute to the notion that leptin reduction in the periphery can be accomplished to treat obesity and T2D.
The influence of hydrogen on the deformation and fracture of the near surface region of solids: proposed origin of the Rebinder-Westwood effect

Results are presented which show the embrittling effect of hydrogen-bearing environments on the near surface region of solids. This effect was indicated by shifts to higher amplitude of the acoustic emission amplitude distributions obtained during low-speed drilling, by the drilling rate, and by scanning electron microscopy. The extent of embrittlement in liquid environments was found to depend on the availability of the hydrogen, which depends on its bonding in the liquid (covalent, partially ionized, ion paired in media of low dielectric constant, etc). The time dependence of this effect is consistent with the permeation of hydrogen in the near surface region. It is proposed that the hydrogen effect on the deformation and fracture of solids is a universal phenomenon affecting the near surface region of metals, ceramics, glasses, semiconductors, ionic crystals, minerals, and rocks (organic solids may be exceptions) and that this embrittlement by hydrogen is one of the origins of the Rebinder-Westwood chemomechanical effect.
Protein conformational stabilities can be determined from hydrogen exchange rates

Measuring protein conformational stability is one key to solving the protein folding problem. The conformational stability is the free energy change of the unfolding reaction, F ↔ U, under ambient conditions, ΔGU = GU - GF. Traditional methods of measuring ΔGU are solvent (urea or guanidinium chloride (GdmCl)) or thermal denaturation1. Solvent denaturation curves are generally analyzed using the linear extrapolation method (LEM): ΔG = ΔGU(H2O) - m[denaturant] (1) where m is a measure of the dependence of ΔG on denaturant, and ΔGU(H2O) is an estimate of the conformational stability that assumes that the linear dependence of ΔG on denaturant observed in the transition region continues to 0 M denaturant. Thermal denaturation experiments yield the melting temperature, Tm, the enthalpy change at Tm, ΔHm, and the heat capacity change, ΔCp, which can then be used to calculate ΔGU at any temperature T, ΔGU(T), with the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation: ΔGU(T) = ΔHm(1 - T/Tm) + ΔCp[T - Tm - T ln (T/Tm)] (2)
Large‐Scale Monte Carlo Simulations for Aggregation, Self‐Assembly, and Phase Equilibria

In this review article, we discuss the application of advanced Monte Carlo sampling techniques to particle-based simulations of complex chemical systems and processes. These simulations provide microscopic-level information and thermodynamic properties that are often difficult to obtain by experimental means. Large-scale Monte Carlo simulations using transferable (but empirical) force fields demonstrate that retention in reversed-phase liquid chromatography can neither be described by a bulk partitioning nor an interfacial adsorption mechanism, that the high-temperature, high-pressure solubility of helium in n-hexadecane is well reproduced by a force field that is fitted to the critical parameters without accounting for quantum effects, that entrainers can increase the solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide without specific aggregation, and that differences in size are sufficient to cause segregation of anions at the aqueous vapor–liquid interface. In addition, we describe first principles Monte Carlo simulations of the vapor–liquid phase equilibria of water employing Kohn-Sham density functional theory.
Resistance of Clostridium perfringens Type A Spores to γ-Radiation

Abstract The radiation resistance of the spores of a classical strain and of an atypical, heat-resistant strain of Clostridium perfringens was determined. Spores were produced in Ellner's and in a Trypticase broth medium. Approximately 106 viable spores per milliliter were suspended in 0.06 m phosphate buffer and irradiated with γ rays from cobalt-60; the survivors were counted in Tryptone-yeast extract-agar by the Prickett-tube technique. Radiation D values for spores of the atypical strain in phosphate buffer and in cooked-meat broth were 0.23 and 0.30 Mrad, respectively, and the D value of the classical strain was 0.25 Mrad in phosphate buffer. Spores of the classical and atypical strains of C. perfringens type A are characterized by differences in heat resistance; yet, all strains tested demonstrated similar radiation resistance. Also, the spores were more resistant to ionizing radiation in cooked-meat broth than in phosphate buffer.
Rule Out (R/O) Migraine

When imaging patients with headaches, the goals are: (1) to rule out a more ominous etiology for their headaches and (2) to assess the degree of hemodynamic and parenchymal involvement when atypical or complicated migraine is suspected. The standard images allow other etiologies, such as mass lesions, to be excluded and an MR venogram can rule out venous sinus thrombosis. Contrast may be helpful in differentiating multiple small metastases, demylinating lesions with inflammatory components, and subcortical infarcts from the nonspecific foci of increased T2 associated with migraines that do not enhance. Perfusion-weighted imaging allows detection assessment of hemodynamic compromise. Diffusion-weighted imaging, in combination with the standard MR images, allows assessment of parenchymal involvement. This unit contains a basic protocol which can be used for the evaluation of patients as well as an alternative protocol for the assessment of cerebral perfusion in patients with visual auras.
Hierarchical Modeling of Residential Default: Does State Level Foreclosure and Predatory Lending Legislation Limit 'Bad' Loans?

A national loan level data set, aggregated at the zip code is used to examine the elasticity of default relative to local demographic characteristics and state level legislation regulating foreclosure procedures and predatory lending. We also illustrate the merit of using a form of hierarchical linear modeling when comparing loan performance at the national level. We observe significant variation in the rate of foreclosure across states. Those states imposing higher temporal and financial costs on financial institutions exhibit lower default levels controlling for loan and local conditions. State level legislative influences provide a foundation for discussion of national level policy that further regulates predatory lending and financial institution foreclosure activities. This is one of many proposed directives for addressing the current mortgage challenges and future borrower lender interaction during potential default.
Bernoulli process with 282 ky periodicity is detected in the R-N reversals of the earth's magnetic field

Investigating the polarity time scales for the last 118 My a Bernoulli process with p=0.5 overriding with a Gaussian noise have been detected for the R-N magnetic reversals. The Bernoulli trials are separated by 282 ky. The frequency of the Bernoulli process correlates to planetary cycles and consistent with an impact triggered global cooling mechanism. The detected pattern allows calculating the probability of an upcoming R-N reversal between any time intervals.
“Not Reasonably Debatable”: The Problems with Single-Judge Decisions by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims

The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has statutory authority — unique among the federal appellate courts — to allow individual judges to decide appeals. As the CAVC completes the first quarter century of operations since its creation, this article examines the court’s use of this authority. Based upon two years of data developed and analyzed by the authors, this article concludes that outcome variance in single-judge decisions is a serious problem at the CAVC. Not only is there a substantial difference in the outcomes of appeals assigned to the different judges, but there are clear examples of decisions that violate the court’s precedent against deciding novel issues or debatable cases by a single judge. Based upon the more than 4,000 decisions reviewed, it is recommended that substantial changes must be made in how the court exercises single-judge authority. Alternatively, this authority could be abolished altogether so that the CAVC decides all appeals by panel, as is done by the other federal appellate courts. The near-term goal of reform should be to increase the percentage of the CAVC’s opinions that are published from the current average of under two percent to at least twelve percent (the average for federal courts of appeals). Increasing the number of precedential decisions will not only ensure fairness to all of the veterans appealing to the court, but will also improve the guidance provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs because it would resolve more legal issues and also demonstrate how the court believes the law should be applied to difficult or new fact patterns.
On Various Ways of Skinning Symbolic Cats: Recent Research On Persuasive Message Strategies

This paper examines a number of recent communication studies deal ing with persuasive message strategies, both to identify some of the major findings to date and to underscore some of the important conceptual and procedural problems to be faced in future research. The paper centres on three major areas: (1) the development of a typology of persuasive message strategies; (2) the effects of situational factors on the choice of persuasive message strategies; and (3) the influence of individual differences in persuaders on the selection and use of persuasive message strategies.
Ultraviolet reflectance of Al2O3, SiO2 and BeO

Abstract The room temperature ultraviolet reflectance spectra of flux grown red ruby (Al 2 O 3 with ∼ 4 per cent Cr 2 O 3 ), flux grown beryllia (BeO) and natural quartz (SiO 2 ) have been measured on natural faces of the crystals from 6 to 14 eV with an angle of incidence of 45°. The spectra show exciton-like peaks at 9.1, 10.4 and 10.4 eV for Al 2 O 3 , BeO and SiO 2 , respectively, followed by broad structures presumably due to interband transitions. Striking similarities between the spectra of Al 2 O 3 and MgO are observed.
Reducing the Native Tropism of Adenovirus Vectors Requires Removal of both CAR and Integrin Interactions

The development of tissue-selective virus-based vectors requires a better understanding of the role of receptors in gene transfer in vivo, both to rid the vectors of their native tropism and to introduce new specificity. CAR and αv integrins have been identified as the primary cell surface components that interact with adenovirus type 5 (Ad5)-based vectors during in vitro transduction. We have constructed a set of four vectors, which individually retain the wild-type cell interactions, lack CAR binding, lack αv integrin binding, or lack both CAR and αv integrin binding. These vectors have been used to examine the roles of CAR and αv integrin in determining the tropism of Ad vectors in a mouse model following intrajugular or intramuscular injection. CAR was found to play a significant role in liver transduction. The absence of CAR binding alone, however, had little effect on the low level of expression from Ad in other tissues. Binding of αv integrins appeared to have more influence than did binding of CAR in promoting the expression in these tissues and was also found to be important in liver transduction by Ad vectors. An effect of the penton base modification was a reduction in the number of vector genomes that could be detected in several tissues. In the liver, where CAR binding is important, combining defects in CAR and αv integrin binding was essential to effectively reduce the high level of expression from Ad vectors. While there may be differences in Ad vector tropism among species, our results indicate that both CAR and αv integrins can impact vector distribution in vivo. Disruption of both CAR and αv integrin interactions may be critical for effectively reducing native tropism and enhancing the efficacy of specific targeting ligands in redirecting Ad vectors to target tissues.
The oxidative burst at fertilization is dependent upon activation of the dual oxidase Udx1.

Abstract The sea urchin egg is a quiescent cell…until fertilization, when the egg is activated. The classic respiratory burst at fertilization is the result of prodigious hydrogen peroxide production, but the mechanism for this synthesis is not known. Here we quantitate the kinetics of hydrogen peroxide synthesis at a single-cell level using an imaging photon detector, showing that 60 nM hydrogen peroxide accumulates within the perivitelline space of each zygote. We find that the NADPH oxidation activity is enriched at the cell surface and is sensitive to a pharmacological inhibitor of NADPH oxidase enzymes. Finally, we show that a sea urchin dual oxidase homolog, Udx1, is responsible for generating the hydrogen peroxide necessary for the physical block to polyspermy. Phylogenetic analysis of the enzymatic modules in Udx1 suggests a potentially conserved role for the dual oxidase family in hydrogen peroxide production and regulation during fertilization.
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering with single-molecule sensitivity using a plasmonic Fano resonance

The field enhancements arising in plasmonic nanostructures make them ideal as substrates for molecular sensors. In this study, Zhang et al. achieve single molecule sensitivity with Fano resonances in a quadrumer nanostructure and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy.
Is Levoleucovorin an Alternative to Racemic Leucovorin? A Literature Review

Abstract Purpose Our purpose is to perform a comprehensive literature review of the use of levoleucovorin in gastrointestinal malignancies and to assess whether levoleucovorin is a reasonable alternative to racemic leucovorin. Design This is an extensive literature review of levoleucovorin use in patients with gastrointestinal tract malignancies. Our review revealed 125 citations with abstracts in the English language, including 16 randomized, controlled trials; 40 case studies; and 69 nonrandomized, controlled trials that included 6 pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic studies with 1 population PK study. Results Upon our review, there were 2 randomized controlled trials that directly compared racemic leucovorin with levoleucovorin. Goldberg et al noted that there was no statistically significant difference between time to progression ( P = .78) and time to death ( P = .57). Furthermore, Scheithauer et al again noted no significant difference in terms of response rates (25% vs. 32%; P = .25), median survival time (15 months vs. 14.5 months; P = .28), overall survival at 1 year (58.3% vs. 60.6%; P = .72), and probability of survival at 2 years (15.3% vs. 23%; P = .16). In addition, multiple other studies, including randomized, controlled; nonrandomized, controlled; and case studies, demonstrate similar efficacy and tolerability between the use of racemic leucovorin or levoleucovorin as a modulator of 5-FU. Conclusion In many studies of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, levoleucovorin has been used interchangeably and solely for racemic leucovorin for 5-FU modulation. Our literature review demonstrates that levoleucovorin has similar efficacy and tolerability when compared with racemic leucovorin, whether used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents or alone.
Estrogen receptor-α mediates estradiol attenuation of ATP-induced Ca2+ signaling in mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons

A mechanism underlying gender-related differences in pain perception may be estrogen modulation of nociceptive signaling in the peripheral nervous system. In rat, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express estrogen receptors (ERs) and estrogen rapidly attenuates ATP-induced Ca2+ signaling. To determine which estrogen receptor mediates rapid actions of estrogen, we showed ERalpha and ERbeta expression in DRG neurons from wild-type (WT) female mice by RT-PCR. To study whether ERalpha or ERbeta mediates this response, we compared estradiol action mediating Ca2+ signaling in DRG neurons from WT, ERalpha knockout (ERalphaKO), and ERbetaKO mice in vitro. ATP, an algesic agent, induced [Ca2+]i transients in 48% of small DRG neurons from WT mice. 17beta-Estradiol (E2) inhibited ATP-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) with an IC50 of 27 nM. The effect of E2 was rapid (5-min exposure) and stereo specific; 17alpha-estradiol had no effect. E2 action was blocked by the ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (1 microM) in WT mouse. Estradiol coupled to bovine serum albumin (E-6-BSA), which does not penetrate the plasma membrane, had the same effect as E2 did, suggesting that a membrane-associated ER mediated the response. In DRG neurons from ERbetaKO mice, E2 attenuated the ATP-induced [Ca2+]i flux as it did in WT mice, but in DRG neurons from ERalphaKO mice, E2 failed to inhibit the ATP-induced [Ca2+]i increase. These results show that mouse DRG neurons express ERs and the rapid attenuation of ATP-induced [Ca2+]i signaling is mediated by membrane-associated ERalpha.
Determining curvature: hula hoops and space curves

An equation is derived for the curvature of a special class of space curves embedded on a torus. Use of the equation is illustrated with an example. General properties of this curvature function are presented and potential applications to engineering problems are discussed.
Antiferromagnetic thickness dependence of exchange biasing

A theory for a ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (FM/AF) exchange coupled bilayer of finite thickness is presented. Calculations based on this theory describe the reversible and irreversible transitions of the magnetic moments in this FM/AF system. A description of the exchange bias effect is offered that explains the observed phenomena of enhanced coercivity and rotational hysteresis. The theory also explains the AF thickness dependence of the exchange field and the coercivity.
Performance of an Advanced MOS System in the 1996–97 National Collegiate Weather Forecasting Contest

A prototype advanced model output statistics (MOS) forecast system that was entered in the 1996–97 National Collegiate Weather Forecast Contest is described and its performance compared to that of widely available objective guidance and to contest participants. The prototype system uses an optimal blend of aviation (AVN) and nested grid model (NGM) MOS forecasts, explicit output from the NGM and Eta guidance, and the latest surface weather observations from the forecast site. The forecasts are totally objective and can be generated quickly on a personal computer. Other “objective” forms of guidance tracked in the contest are 1) the consensus forecast (i.e., the average of the forecasts from all of the human participants), 2) the combination of NGM raw output (for precipitation forecasts) and NGM MOS guidance (for temperature forecasts), and 3) the combination of Eta Model raw output (for precipitation forecasts) and AVN MOS guidance (for temperature forecasts). Results show that the advanced MOS system fi...
Residential Real Estate Data on the Internet: Benefits and Limitations

The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of business-to-consumer (B2C) real estate Web resources and their impact on consumers, who are the home buyers and sellers. This highlights a variety of content and features available on select Websites especially those with property listings for sale. Property listings on the Multiple Listing Service, once closely held and shared only among real estate agents, are now available on the Internet. New business models are created. The article questions information literacy skills among home buyers and sellers, and the Internet as a possible disintermediation for real estate brokers.
Derivation of expected registration error for point-based rigid-body registration

This paper presents two new expressions for estimating registration accuracy in point-based rigid-body registration and points out a danger in using the traditional measure of registration accuracy. Rigid-body registration is appropriate for applications in which relatively rigid parts of the body are involved. In some such applications rigid-body registration is accomplished by aligning two sets of discrete points. In neurosurgical guidance, for example, the points are found by localizing the centroids of fiducial markers. This paper provides two new fundamental theoretical results on the relationship between localization error and registration error in rigid-body, point-based registration. Rigid-body, point-based registration is accomplished by finding a rigid-body transformation that aligns pairs of homologous fiducial points. The imprecision in locating a fiducial point is known as the fiducial localization error (FLE). Fiducial points may be centroids of attached markers, which tend to have small, equal FLEs, or salient points in segmented anatomic features, whose FLEs tend to be larger and more varied. Alignment is achieved by minimizing the fiducial registration error (FRE), which is the root mean square distance between homologous fiducials after registration. Closed form solutions for the rigid transformation that minimizes FRE have been known since 1966. The expected value (FRE 2 ) depends on the number N of fiducials and expected squared value of their fiducial localization error (FLE 2 ), but in 1979 it was shown that (FRE 2 ) is approximately independent of the fiducial configuration C. The importance of this surprising result seems not yet to have been appreciated by the registration community: Poor registrations caused by poor fiducial configurations may appear to be good. A more critical and direct measure of registration error is the target registration error (TRE), which is the distance between homologous points other than the centroids of fiducials. Efforts to characterize its behavior have been made since 1993 or earlier; published simulations have shown that (TRE 2 ) is roughly proportional to (FLE 2 )/N and, unlike (FRE 2 ), does depend in some way on C. In this work we present two major results: we first derive an approximate expression for (TRE 2 ), and we then use this to calculate the expected squared alignment error for individual fiducials. This leads to a surprising conclusion - the registration accuracy is generally worst near the fiducials which are most closely aligned! This should demonstrate the danger of relying on the traditional accuracy measure, namely fiducial registration error, to judge the quality of a registration.
Elemental sulfur production during the regeneration of iron oxide high-temperature desulfurization sorbent

Abstract The production of elemental sulfur instead of SO2 during the regeneration of high temperature desulfurization sorbents will improve the efficiency of advanced power generation processes such as the integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC). While much research is directed at developing zinc-based sorbents because of the favorable thermodynamics of the ZnO–H2S reaction, SO2 is the inevitable product from ZnS regeneration. Iron-based sorbents, although less efficient for H2S removal, permit significant amounts of elemental sulfur to be formed during regeneration. A laboratory-scale fixed-bed reactor has been used to study the regeneration of FeS in steam-oxygen mixtures. The experimental results are interpreted on the basis of four simultaneous reactions. Oxygen reacts rapidly with FeS to produce SO2 and Fe2O3. Steam reacts to give Fe3O4 and H2S. Elemental sulfur is formed by the reaction between H2S and SO2, and additional O2 is consumed in converting Fe3O4 to Fe2O3. The maximum yield of elemental sulfur, approximately 75% of theoretical, was achieved using a large H2O-to-O2 ratio (200-to-1) at the lowest feasible regeneration temperature (600°C), and using a small regeneration gas feed rate.
M.G. Smith on the Isle of Lesbos: Kinship and sexuality in Carriacou

AbstractIn Kinship and Community in Carriacou (1962), M.G. Smith documents what he calls “abnormal” sexual relations between women in female-headed households on the island. These lesbian madivines represent statistically significant “deviations” from normative patterns of kinship and residence in domestic groups, and are associated with the shapeshifting witchcraft of sukuyan and lougarou. Linking Smith’s ethnography of “mating patterns” to transactional pathways of reproductive value—blood, money, witchcraft and sexuality—I rework his ideological explanation of Carriacou lesbianism (as a “mechanism” for preserving female marital fidelity) into a feminist model of female empowerment with comparative potentialities throughout the Caribbean.
Intracellular pH and Multidrug Resistance Regulate Complement-mediated Cytotoxicity of Nucleated Human Cells *

Abstract In previous work (Weisburg, J. H., Curcio, M., Caron, P. C., Raghi, G., Mechetner, E. B., Roepe, P. D., and Scheinberg, D. A. (1996) J. Exp. Med. 183, 2699–2704), we showed that multidrug resistance (MDR) cells created by continuous selection with the vinca alkaloid vincristine (HL60 RV+) or by retroviral infection (K562/human MDR 1 cells) exhibited significant resistance to complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC). This resistance was due to the presence of overexpressed P-glycoprotein (P-GP). In this paper, we probe the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon. We test whether the significant elevated intracellular pH (pHi) that accompanies P-GP overexpression is sufficient to confer resistance to CMC and whether this resistance is related to effects on complement function in the cell membrane. Control HL60 cells not expressing P-GP, but comparably elevated in cytosolic pHi by two independent methods (CO2“conditioning” or isotonic Cl− substitution), are tested for CMC using two different antibody-antigen systems (human IgG and murine IgM; protein and carbohydrate) and two complement sources (rabbit and human). Elevation of pHi by either of these methods or by expression of P-GP confers resistance to CMC. Resistance is not observed when the alkalinization mediated by reverse Cl−/HCO3 − exchange upon Cl− substitution is blocked by treatment with dihydro-4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate. Continuous photometric monitoring of 2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF), to assess changes in pHi or efflux of the probe through MAC pores, in single cells or cell populations, respectively, verifies changes in pHi upon CO2 conditioning and Cl−substitution and release of BCECF upon formation of MAC pores. Antibody binding and internalization kinetics are similar in both the parental and resistant cell lines as measured by radioimmunoassay, but flow cytometric data showed that net complement deposition in the cell membrane is both delayed and reduced in magnitude in the MDR cells and in the cells with increased pHi. This interpretation is supported by comparison of BCECF release data for the different cells. Dual isotopic labeling of key complement components shows no significant change in molecular stoichiometry of the MACs formed at different pHi. The results are relevant to understanding clinical implications of MDR, the physiology of P-GP, and the biochemistry of the complement cascade and further suggest that the “drug pump” model of P-GP action cannot account for all of its effects.
Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Assessment and Treatment Considerations

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has, historically, been viewed as a childhood disorder which would be outgrown by adulthood. More recent findings have established that the disorder often persists into adult-hood in a significant number of those diagnosed as children. Due to increased awareness and media attention being focused on ADHD in adults, greater numbers of adults are seeking evaluation and treatment for this disorder. The symptoms of ADHD are common to a variety of other psychiatric disorders including learning disabilities, so clinicians need to update their knowledge of assessment, treatment, and differential diagnosis issues regarding this often misunderstood disorder. This article discusses some current methods used in the assessment and treatment of adults with ADHD.
Pulsed reagent introduction through a membrane reactor for flow-injection systems

Abstract A method of intermittent reagent introduction, functionally equivalent to stop-go pumping, is described. A pneumatically pressurized reagent reservoir is used to deliver liquid through a high-speed on/off valve to the outer channel of an annular tube assembly. Except for this single entry point, the outer channel is otherwise sealed. The inner flow channel bearing the principal flow stream contains a short microporous membrane tube. When the reagent delivery valve is activated, reagent flows radially inward through the membrane into the principal flow stream.
Serum ionized magnesium levels in normal and preeclamptic gestation

Objective To compare serum levels of ionized and total magnesium with those of ionized calcium, total calcium, sodium, and potassium over the course of pregnancy in normal women and in women who develop preeclampsia. Methods We collected venous serum samples from 31 pregnant women during their first, second, and third trimesters. Gestational ages ranged from 6 to 37 weeks. Samples were analyzed for ionized and total magnesium, ionized and total calcium, sodium, and potassium using a biomedical chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed with repeatedmeasures analysis of variance and two-way repeatedmeasures analysis of variance. Results In 22 normal pregnant women, both serum ionized and total magnesium levels decreased significantly with increasing gestational age. No changes in sodium, potassium, or ionized or total calcium were observed. Nine of the 31 subjects developed preeclampsia by term; serum total magnesium levels decreased significantly by the second trimester in these women compared with those of normal pregnant women. Conclusion Our results provide evidence of decreases in ionized and total magnesium levels with increasing gestational age during normal pregnancy, as well as evidence of a magnesium disturbance in women who later develop preeclampsia. Future studies of magnesium balance in women at risk for developing complications of pregnancy are indicated.