cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Options-Based Approach to Evaluating the Risk of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Abstract Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac assume a significant amount of interest and prepayment risk and all of the credit risk for about half of the $8 trillion U.S. residential mortgage market. Their hybrid government–private status, and the perception that they are too big to fail, make them a potentially large, but largely unaccounted for, risk to the federal government. Measuring the size and risk of this liability is technically difficult, but important for the debate over the appropriate regulation of these institutions. Here we take an options pricing approach to evaluating these costs and risks. Under the base case assumptions, the estimated value of the guarantees is $7.9 billion over 10 years, with a combined .5 percent value at risk of $122 billion. We evaluate the sensitivity of these estimates to various modeling assumptions, and also to the regulatory regime, including forbearance policies and capital requirements. The analysis highlights the benefits, but also the challenges, of taking an options-based approach to evaluating the value of federal credit guarantees.
Visual Representation of Scientific Information

Great technological advances have enabled researchers to generate an enormous amount of data. Data analysis is replacing data generation as the rate-limiting step in scientific research. With this wealth of information, we have an opportunity to understand the molecular causes of human diseases. However, the unprecedented scale, resolution, and variety of data pose new analytical challenges. Visual representation of data offers insights that can lead to new understanding, whether the purpose is analysis or communication. This presentation shows how art, design, and traditional illustration can enable scientific discovery. Examples will be drawn from the Broad Institute’s Data Visualization Initiative, aimed at establishing processes for creating informative visualization models.
Aortic Valve Procedures at the Time of Ventricular Assist Device Placement

Background Placement of a ventricular assist device (VAD) may lead to reduced or absent opening of the aortic valve and thus increase risk of thrombus formation in the aortic root as well as on the valve itself. The outcome of additional procedures to the aortic valve at the time of VAD placement is unclear. Methods A retrospective analysis of 712 VAD patients from 1995 to 2009 was performed. Results Twenty-eight patients were identified who underwent aortic valve procedures in addition to VAD placement. Indication for VAD placement was bridge to transplant in 23 patients, destination therapy in 4, and postcardiotomy shock in 1. Aortic valve procedures were performed for preexisting mechanical aortic prosthesis in 8 (7 closure and 1 aortic valve replacement with biological prosthesis), and for moderate or severe aortic insufficiency in 20 patients (10 repair, 9 closure, and 1 aortic valve replacement with biological prosthesis). At the last follow-up, 16 patients had undergone heart transplant, 6 remained on VAD support, and 5 had died. While on VAD support, no adverse events related to the aortic valve procedures occurred. The 30-day operative mortality was 0.4%. No clinical thromboembolic events were observed. In 2 patients, there was evidence of thrombus formation in the explanted heart. Four patients had bleeding complications. Of the 9 patients who received aortic valve repair, 2 had recurrent aortic insufficiency on echocardiograms during an average follow-up of 118 days. Conclusions Additional procedures to the aortic valve at the time of VAD placement are feasible. Overall outcomes are comparable to those seen in patients without the need for aortic valve manipulation at the time of VAD placement.
A study of the immunohistochemical localization of serum lipoproteins and other plasma proteins in human atherosclerotic lesions.

Abstract Multiple unfixed 4μ sections from 53 areas of 28 human aortas ranging from premature infants to a 94-year-old subjects were studied microscopically by using fluorescent-labeled rabbit antibodies to immunoelectrophoretically “pure” human plasma fractions, including LD lipoproteins and HD lipoproteins, albumin, gamma globulin, and fibrinogen. Some tissues were immersed in fixatives prior to staining. It was found that the fixation methods tested were not suitable for this type of investigation. The severity of the atherosclerotic lesions sampled varied from no gross evidence of disease, through fatty streak, fatty plaque with fibrous cap to complicated lesions. Adjacent cryostat sections from each aortic area were stained with Oil red O as well as Mallory picrofuchsin. Suitable control sections were also studied. Fluorescent anti-LD lipoproteins consistently stained diseased areas of aortic intima where lipid was revealed by Oil red O stain. The fluorescent anti-HD lipoprotein stained the diseased areas very faintly or not at all. The fluorescent anti-fibrinogen stained focal areas of intima which also contained lipoproteins. The fluorescent anti-albumin and anti-gamma globulin stained none of the lesions.
Adsorption of Copper on Stainless Steel

Summary Under some conditions, dissolved copper becomes associated with stainless steel in a form that is readily available for contamination of milk. A small amount of copper-nickel alloy, either used or cleaned with stainless steel, can cause disproportionately large copper contamination of milk. Adsorption of dissolved copper on stainless steel was appreciable in the pH range of 6 to 10, especially in the presence of hypochlorite. The amount of copper that adsorbed increased with the concentration of copper in solution, the temperature, and the time of exposure. Copper adsorption was slight or absent at low or very high pH or in the presence of a chelating agent (EDTA). Adsorbed copper was not removed by thorough rinsing with water, but largely was removed by a chelating agent (EDTA) or milk, or exhaustively by hot nitric acid.
Comment on Small Particles of Amorphous Silica in the Nepheloid Layer

Sandilands and Mudroch (1983) have shown with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that there are many particulates ranging in size from 0.2 to 0.4 p'm in the nepheloid layer of Lake Ontario. In addition, they present evidence that these particles are amorphous or biogenic silica, presumably fragments of diatom frustules. This observation is significant because, as they point out, particles of this size could pass through the filters commonly used in limnological research and therefore would not be assessed as particulate matter. This finding may be an explanation for the relatively small increases in particulate silica (collected on 0.45 p. HA Millipore filters) that we found in near-bottom waters compared to other depths in the water column of Lake Michigan (Schelske et al. 1983), whereas Chambers and Eadie (1981) have shown that the nepheloid layer is a widespread feature in the nearbottom waters. However, Sandilands and Mudroch (1983, pg. 196) incorrectly assumed that small particles of amorphous silica will be measured and contribute to the dissolved reactive silica pool of water samples. Amorphous silica will not be dissolved under the acidic conditions used to measure reactive silica. In our laboratory, we have never found a difference in reactive silica concentrations between filtered (HA Millipore) and raw water samples. In this regard it is interesting to note that preparing diatoms for microscopic analysis in boiling acid obviously does not destroy frustules. If amorphous silica is to be measured, it will require leaching in a basic solution and possibly including a correction for mineral interference (Krausse et al. 1983). The importance of diatom fragments has been
Large microcalorimeter arrays for high-resolution X- and gamma-rayspectroscopy

Abstract Microcalorimeter detectors provide unprecedented energy resolution for the measurement of X-rays and soft gamma-rays. Energy resolution in the 100 keV region can be up to an order of magnitude better than planar high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. The technology is well-suited to analysis of materials with complex spectra presenting closely spaced photopeaks. One application area is the measurement and assay of nuclear materials for safeguards and fuel cycle applications. In this paper, we discuss the operation and performance of a 256-pixel array, and present results of a head-to-head comparison of isotopic determination measurements with high-purity germanium using a plutonium standard. We show that the uncertainty of a single measurement is smaller for the microcalorimeter data compared to the HPGe data when photopeak areas are equal. We identify several key areas where analysis codes can be optimized that will likely lead to improvement in the microcalorimeter performance.
Effect of soy versus beef diets on blood and tissue cholesterol and body composition of growing swine

Abstract Growing pigs were fed diets, similar in protein and fat content, based on soy protein isolate and soybean oil (soy) or ground beef containing 21% fat (beef). Ground corn, vitamins and minerals completed the diets. Egg yolk was added to balance the intake of cholesterol. No significant differences were seen in total plasma cholesterol or liver cholesterol concentrations. Soy-fed pigs had significantly greater concentrations of cholesterol in the viscera excluding the liver (p Our data show that the soy diet, as compared to the beef diet, increased the proportion of fat in the carcass and increased tissue cholesterol deposition.
The Mott transition in V2O3 and NiSexS2−x: insights from dynamical mean field theory

Abstract We discuss some aspects of the pressure (or interaction) driven Mott transition, in three-dimensional transition metal oxides by means of dynamical mean field theory. We isolate the universal properties of the transition from the aspects which depend more on the detailed chemistry of the compounds. In this light we can understand the main differences and the remarkable similarities between the NiSexS2−x and the V2O3 system. Both theory and experiment converge on the transfer of spectral weight from low energies to high energies as the universal mechanism underlying the Mott transition, and we comment on the possible relevance of these ideas to other metal to nonmetal transitions.
The Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis (PCA) Test in Adiaspiromycosis

"Adiaspiromycosis" is the name proposed by Emmons and Jellison (1960) to replace "haplomycosis" (Emmons, 1948) for infections with the fungal agents Emmonsia parva (Emmons & Ashburn, 1942) and Emmonsia crescens Emmons & Jellison (1960). Natural infections with these fungi are restricted to the lungs of a great variety of mammals (FIG. 1). Emmonsia is one of the few mycotic agents not reported in man but known to be present in a great variety of wild animals. Diagnosis in man would probably depend on post mortem microscopic examination, as the spherules, measuring 400-500 t, are too small for X-ray resolution, and, since they remain fixed in lung tissue, they are not present in sputum. However, small concretions, carbon, oil globules and other material are common in the human lung and a few spherules of this fungus could well escape notice. Because of the difficulties in etiologic diagnosis of infection, a diagnostic immunologic test seemed highly desirable. The passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test in cavies has been described by Ovary (1958) and his colleagues (Ovary and Bier, 1953; Ovary and Briot, 1951) and this test has been adapted with some success to the study of adiaspiromycosis. The results of these studies and the discovery of 2 possible human infections are reported here.
Toward a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of intracellular microtubule organization

Mol Syst Biol. 5: 251 The proposition that cell architecture is complex needs no justification. Moreover, intracellular organization changes with time in some cells yet persists in others. These properties are determined in part by microtubule cytoskeleton, which can provide both the consistency, e.g. by maintaining cell shape, and variability in response to changing intracellular tasks and environment. Microtubule behavior in vitro is described by four kinetic parameters (rates for growth and shrinkage and frequencies for the stochastic transitions between these states), and is also affected by the boundaries of a confined environment. In cells, there are multiple layers of additional regulation. Microtubule dynamics are affected globally by a large number of associated proteins, and locally through spatially distributed biochemical cues. Deciphering the interplay between microtubules, cell boundaries and their numerous regulators and components is therefore a daunting task. Two complementary articles published recently in Molecular Systems Biology provide a refreshing and inspiring example of how systematic, quantitative approaches that combine observations and mathematical modeling can help to break such complex problem into a set of logically appealing and manageable parts. Tischer et al (2009) and Foethke et al (2009) have analyzed the spatial regulation of microtubule dynamics and its role in intracellular organization, using the unicellular eukaryote Schizosaccharomyces pombe . Its cytoskeleton has been studied intensely, facilitated by this cell's simple shape (Hayles and Nurse, 2001). Several overlapping microtubule bundles attach to a centrally positioned …
The workforce of U.S. manufacturing in the post-industrial era

Abstract United States manufacturing is moving on a well-established trajectory of increased knowledge intensity represented by the rise in the proportion of its workforce in technical-professional occupations. Based on BLS data and a new analytical tool, this paper: 1) shows an 80-year linear trend in the evolution of the total workforce: 2) establishes characteristic ages for 20 manufacturing sectors, including 1910 for autors and 2015 for computer equipment; and 3) projects a rise of technical-professional workers in the next century to 50% of the workforce.
A robust protocol for site-directed mutagenesis of the D1 protein inChlamydomonas reinhardtii: A PCR-splicedpsbA gene in a plasmid conferring spectinomycin resistance was introduced into apsbA deletion strain.

In this paper, we describe a protocol to obtain a site-directed mutants in thepsbA gene ofChlamydomonas reinhardtii, which overcomes several drawbacks of previous protocols, and makes it possible to generate a mutant within a month. Since the large size of the gene, and the presence of four large introns has made molecular genetics of thepsbA gene rather unwieldy, we have spliced all of the exons of thepsbA gene by PCR to facilitate genetic manipulation and sequencing of the gene. The resultant construct (plasmid pBA153, with several unique restriction sites introduced at exon boundaries) carried 1.2 and 1.8 kb intact sequences from the 5′- and 3′-flanking regions, respectively. The plasmid was used to transform a D1-deletion mutant and was found to complement the deletion and restore photosynthetic activity. In addition, a bacterialaadA gene conferring spectinomycin resistance (sper) was inserted downstream of the intron-freepsbA gene, to give construct pBA155. This allowed selection of mutant strains deficient in photosynthesis by using spectinomycin resistance, and eliminated the possibility of selection for revertant strains which is a consequence of having to use photosynthetic activity as a selection pressure. Finally, pBA155 was used to construct pBA157, in which additional restriction sites were inserted to facilitate cassette mutagenesis for generation of mutations in spans thought to be involved in donor-side interactions. AllpsbA deletion strains transformed with intron-freepsbA-aadA constructs encoding the wild-type D1 sequence, and screened on spectinomycin plates for thesper phenotype, were able to grow photosynthetically, and all showed identical kinetics for electron transfer from primary (QA) to secondary quinone (QB) in Photosystem II, as assayed by the decay of the high fluorescence yield on oxidation of the reduced primary acceptor (QA−).
Black Carbon Aerosol Concentration in Five Cities and Its Scaling with City Population

A question of importance for urban planning and attainment of air quality standards is how pollutant concentrations scale with city population. This study uses measurements of light absorption and light scattering coefficients as proxies for primary (i.e., black carbon aerosols) and total pollutant concentration to start addressing the relationship between per capita air pollutant concentration and city population. Analyses of aerosol light scattering and absorption measurements in suburban Mexico City, Mexico; Las Vegas, Nevada; Reno, Nevada; Beijing, China; and Delhi, India, suggest that common air pollutant concentrations scale approximately as the square root of the urban population, which is consistent with a simple 2D box model. This simple scaling relationship for per capita air pollution concentration might be useful both as a guide for comparing cities as well as for preparing for future projections of increased urbanization, especially for cities having more than 10 million inhabitants.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) Pathway Signaling

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)/Apo1L is a death ligand, a cytokine that activates apoptosis through cell surface death receptors. TRAIL is thought to be important in host tumor surveillance and metastasis suppression, and various therapeutic agonists that activate TRAIL receptors to induce tumor cell apoptosis are in clinical development. This review discusses recent findings about TRAIL pathway signaling and relates the signaling mechanisms to issues that need to be considered as we try to manipulate TRAIL signaling to treat cancer.
Cisplatin‐induced nonimmunologic adsorption of immunoglobulin by red cells

Antibodies to cisplatin, an extensively used anticancer chemotherapeutic agent, have been implicated previously as a cause of immune hemolytic anemia. Investigation of a suspected case of cisplatin- induced hemolytic anemia in a 40-year-old man demonstrated that IgG could be adsorbed nonimmunologically by reagent red cells in vitro. This phenomenon was found to be a source of possible error in the interpretation of studies identifying specific cisplatin antibodies. Furthermore, cisplatin was found to be capable of producing a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT), owing to the nonspecific adsorption of immunoglobulin and complement in vivo. Although this finding did not result in acute hemolysis, it may cause confusion in the investigation of DAT-positive hemolytic anemias. We question whether previous reports of cisplatin-induced hemolytic anemia are accurate in their assessment that such hemolysis was mediated immunologically. Future studies of suspected cases of hemolysis induced by this drug should include serologic investigation adequate to demonstrate the presence of specific cisplatin antibodies. A positive DAT in such patients should not be considered proof of drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia.
A Moving Body must ``appear'' Cool

Evaluating accuracy of substitute term in Einstein equation, noting inconsistency with zero and second law of thermodynamics
Slow Neutron Resonances of Manganese, Bismuth, and Selenium

The apparatus associated with the Argonne fast neutron "chopper" and techniques that have been developed for its use in neutron transmission measurements are described. Of particular importance is the application of a boron-loaded liquid scintillation counter for the efficient detection of slow neutrons. The nature of the data that are obtained is illustrated by the results given for bismuth, selenium, and manganese. Several techniques for finding neutron resonance parameters and their application to the above data are are discussed. Resonance widths are found for the first two levels in bismuth. For the levels in selenium the measurements give only ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}^{2}$. A complete set of parameters is obtained for the first three manganese resonances. The abnormally large ratio of neutron width to level spacing for manganese produces an unusual shape for the cross-section curve in the neighborhood of the second resonance which is interpreted as being caused by interference between the second and third resonances. For this interpretation we obtain $J=2$ for ${E}_{0}=337$ ev, $J=3$ for ${E}_{0}=1080$ ev, and $J=3$ for 2360 ev.
Optimal and efficient crossover designs for comparing test treatments to a control treatment under various models

We study the optimality, efficiency, and robustness of crossover designs for comparing several test treatments to a control treatment. Since A-optimality is a natural criterion in this context, we establish lower bounds for the trace of the inverse of the information matrix for the test treatments versus control comparisons under various models. These bounds are then used to obtain lower bounds for efficiencies of a design under these models. Two algorithms, both guided by these efficiencies and results from optimal design theory, are proposed for obtaining efficient designs under the various models.
Dense color stereo

ABSTRACT Motivated by the observation that chromatic (color) information is a salient property of surfaces in many natural scenes,we investigate the use of chromatic information in dense stereo correspondence -- a topic which has never been investigated.In this regard, the chromatic photometric constraint, which is used to specify a mathematical optimality criterion for solvingthe dense stereo correspondence problem, is developed. The result is a theoretical construction for developing dense stereo correspondence algorithms which use chromatic information. The efficacy of using chromatic information via thisconstruction is tested by developing a new dense stereo algorithm -- the Dense Color Stereo Algorithm. The results of applying intensity and chromatic versions of the Dense Color Stereo Algorithm to several stereo image pairs demonstrate thatthe use of chromatic information can significantly improve the performance of dense stereo correspondence. These resultscomplement our prior studies of the utility of chromatic information in edge-based stereo correspondence, where it was alsoshown to play a significant role.
Lectins as markers for eosinophilic leukocytes

Lectin from Griffonia simplicifolia (GSA-I) and soybean (SBA) are reliable markers for human eosinophils. In this study we have shown that fluorochrome labeled GSA-I and SBA can be used for specific labeling of eosinophils in paraffin embedded tissue sections, in peripheral blood smears and in cell suspensions prepared for flow cytometry. These two lectins are useful diagnostic reagents which could be applied for further characterization of cytoplasmic components selectively found in human eosinophils.
Chimioradiothérapie postopératoire dans les cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures

Resume L'association chirurgie-radiotherapie postoperatoire est le traitement de reference de nombreux cancers des voies aerodigestives superieures. Les echecs de ce traitement sont surtout, mais non exclusivement, locoregionaux. Les parametres histologiques permettent d'identifier les tumeurs a haut risque de rechute. La revue des donnees disponibles indique que la chimiotherapie, delivree de facon concomitante a la radiotherapie, est susceptible d'ameliorer le controle locoregional chez ces patients. Cela devra etre confirme par les essais en cours, de meme que l'eventuelle efficacite d'une polychimiotherapie sur la prevention du risque metastatique.
Observations on the ultrastructure of a fiber network in the flagellum of sperm of the Brush Tailed Phalanger, Trichosurus vulpecula

Sperm of the Brush Tailed Phalanger have a network of fibers beneath the plasma membrane in both the midpiece and principal piece regions of the flagellum. In the posterior four-fifths of the midpiece length the fibers of the network are oriented parallel to one another and they spiral around the midpiece to form a sleevelike structure which terminates at the annulus. Located beneath the midpiece fiber network is a well defined layer of fine flocculent material which often has connections to the individual fibers of the sleeve. Posterior to the annulus in the principal piece region there is another network of thinner fibers situated between the plasma membrane and the fibrous sheath. This network gradually diminishes and terminates in the anterior portion of the principal piece region.
A Review of “Conceptions of Space and Place in Strategic Spatial Planning”

In northwestern Europe, spatial planning has evolved since the late 1950s. As recent support for reorienting planning toward place and space spreads within Europe, particularly in the United Kingdo...
Baryogenesis via leptogenesis

If right-handed Majorana neutrinos are added to the standard model, then lepton-number-violating out-of-equilibrium decays of right-handed neutrinos combined with anomalous electroweak processes can generate the baryon number of the Universe. We analyze this mechanism in detail, and determine the ranges of parameters for which the correct baryon number is generated. We find that the scenario works for a wide range of parameters in the neutrino sector, including right-handed neutrino masses ranging from \ensuremath{\sim}1 TeV to \ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{19}$ GeV, depending on the assumptions made about the structure of the neutrino mass matrices.
BSMAP: whole genome bisulfite sequence MAPping program

Bisulfite sequencing is a powerful technique to study DNA cytosine methylation. Bisulfite treatment followed by PCR amplification specifically converts unmethylated cytosines to thymine. Coupled with next generation sequencing technology, it is able to detect the methylation status of every cytosine in the genome. However, mapping high-throughput bisulfite reads to the reference genome remains a great challenge due to the increased searching space, reduced complexity of bisulfite sequence, asymmetric cytosine to thymine alignments, and multiple CpG heterogeneous methylation. We developed an efficient bisulfite reads mapping algorithm BSMAP to address the above issues. BSMAP combines genome hashing and bitwise masking to achieve fast and accurate bisulfite mapping. Compared with existing bisulfite mapping approaches, BSMAP is faster, more sensitive and more flexible. BSMAP is the first general-purpose bisulfite mapping software. It is able to map high-throughput bisulfite reads at whole genome level with feasible memory and CPU usage. It is freely available under GPL v3 license at http://code.google.com/p/bsmap/ .
Bending Fatigue Study of Sputtered ITO on Flexible Substrate

Recently, there has been a tremendous rise in production of portable electronic devices. To produce flexible devices, flexible substrates should replace conventional glass substrates. Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) is the preferred transparent conducting layer used in the display technology. Although ITO has excellent sheet resistance and very good optical properties, ITO can crack at very low tensile strains which might cause failure in the conductive layer because of the unusual structure of a very thin film of brittle ceramic material applied to a polymer substrate. Therefore, the mechanics of ITO on flexible substrates has been thoroughly considered in the design and manufacturing of flexible devices. In a typical roll-to-roll manufacturing process, many challenges exist during the travel of the coated web over the rollers which produce bending stresses that might cause failure even if the stresses are below the yield strength of the material. Therefore, the high cycle bending fatigue of ITO thin films on flexible substrates is of a significant importance. In this work, high cycle bending fatigue experiments were conducted on ITO coated PET substrate. The effect of bending diameter, bending frequency, and sample width on the change in electrical resistance was investigated. High magnification images were obtained to observe crack initiation and propagating in the ITO layer. The goal of this work is to establish a baseline for a comprehensive reliability study of ITO thin films on flexible substrate. It was found that bending diameters as well as the number of bending cycles have a great influence on the electrical conductivity of the ITO layer.
Static‐Fatigue Life of Ce‐TZP and Si3N4 in a Corrosive Environment

Stress rupture testing was performed in four-point flexure at 1000°C to determine the effects of Na2SO4-induced corrosion on the static-fatigue life of a Ce-TZP and a MgO-doped Si3N4. The results showed that the static-fatigue life of the Ce-TZP was unaffected by this corrosive environment. However, the static-fatigue life of a MgO-doped Si3N4 was reduced by the introduction of Na2SO4.
A Role for Mitochondria in the Establishment and Maintenance of the Maize Root Quiescent Center

Mitochondria in the oxidizing environment of the maize (Zea mays) root quiescent center (QC) are altered in function, but otherwise structurally normal. Compared to mitochondria in the adjacent, rapidly dividing cells of the proximal root tissues, mitochondria in the QC show marked reductions in the activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was not detected in the QC. Use of several mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) sensing probes indicated a depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane in the QC, which suggests a reduction in the capacity of QC mitochondria to generate ATP and NADH. We postulate that modifications of mitochondrial function are central to the establishment and maintenance of the QC.
The incidence of topoisomerase II-alpha genomic alterations in adenocarcinoma of the breast and their relationship to human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 gene amplification: A fluorescence in situ hybridization study

Summary Clinical and in vitro evidence supports the concept that human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 ( HER2 ) gene amplification prediction of response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast cancer is not a direct effect of HER2 overexpression, but the result of coamplification of topoisomerase II-alpha ( TOP2A ). We investigated the relationship of TOP2A to HER2 genomic alterations by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the correlations with polysomic states for chromosome 17 (CEP17). One hundred thirty-eight cases of breast cancer HER2 gene amplified by 2-color FISH ( HER2 /CEP17) were reevaluated with a 3-color probe set ( HER2 /CEP17/ TOP2A ) to investigate the frequency of coamplification and deletion of TOP2A . TOP2A was never amplified in the absence of HER2 amplification and was coamplified with HER2 in 68 (50%) of 137 cases; HER2 gene copy number was higher than the TOP2A copy number ( P HER2 amplification, 23 (16%) showed a monoallelic deletion of TOP2A . Of the 43 cases not amplified for HER2 , 27 (63%) were CEP17 eusomic, 13 (30%) polysomic, and 3 (7%) monosomic. Of the HER2 nonamplified cases, 2 (5%) showed monoallelic deletion of both the HER2 and TOP2A . The current study demonstrates the complex interrelationship between the HER2 and TOP2A genes in breast cancer. The clinical implications of TOP2A amplification and deletion in breast cancer need to be further defined. If TOP2A gene dosage can be confirmed to correlate with tumor responsiveness to anthracycline-based therapy in the clinical setting, FISH testing for TOP2A status may be warranted to aid in the selection of the most appropriate therapy.
Alcohol-related relative risk of fatal driver injuries in relation to driver age and sex.

The relative risks of fatal crash involvement at various blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) were examined using data on fatal driver injuries from the Fatal Accident Reporting System in conjunction with driver exposure data from the second national road-side breath-testing survey. Based on driver fatalities in single-vehicle crashes, it was estimated that each 0.02 percentage increase in the BAC of a driver with non-zero BAC nearly doubles the risk of being in a fatal crash. Crash risk was found to increase with increasing BAC among all of the six age and sex groups studied. At BACs in the 0.05-0.09 percent range, the likelihood of a crash was at least nine times greater than at zero BAC for all age groups. Younger drivers with BACs in the 0.05-0.09 range had higher relative risks than older drivers, and females had higher relative risks than males. At very high BACs (at or above 0.15 percent), the risk of crashing was 300 to 600 times the risk at zero or near-zero BACs. These relative risk estimates are...
Borders and Healers: Brokering Therapeutic Resources in Southeast Africa

Borders and Healers: Brokering Therapeutic Resources in Southeast Africa. Tracy J. Luedke and Harry G. West, eds. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2006. 223 pp.
Designing Efficient Many-Core Parallel Algorithms for All-Pairs Shortest-Paths Using CUDA

Finding the all-pairs shortest-paths on a large graph is a fundamental problem in many practical applications such as bioinformatics, internet node traffic and network routing. In this paper, we present the designs of two efficient parallel algorithms for many-core GPUs using CUDA. Our algorithms expose substantial fine-grained parallelism while maintaining minimal global communication. By using the global scope of the GPU's global memory, coalescing the global memory reads and writes, and avoiding on-chip shared memory bank conflicts, we are able to achieve a large performance benefit with a speed-up of 2,500x on a desktop computer in comparison with a single core program. Our algorithms are scalable, which can handle graphs with size larger than the memory available on the GPUs and when multiple GPUs are added into the system.
Vinylcyclopentene synthesis via phenylthio radical catalyzed addition of electron deficient alkynes to substituted vinylcyclopropanes

Abstract Treatment of either t-butyl ester- or benzylether-substituted vinylcyclopropanes with an excess of ester- or sulfone-bearing alkynes in the presence of phenylthio radical in benzene afforded moderate yields of functionalized vinylcyclopentene products as mixtures of stereoisomers.
Identification of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL in breast cancer as a target for the human miR-34a microRNA.

The identification of molecular features that contribute to the progression of breast cancer can provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of this disease. Deregulated microRNA expression represents one type of molecular event that has been associated with many different human cancers. In order to identify a miRNA/mRNA regulatory interaction that is biologically relevant to the triple-negative breast cancer genotype/phenotype, we initially conducted a miRNA profiling experiment to detect differentially expressed miRNAs in cell line models representing triple-negative (MDA-MB-231), ER+ (MCF7), and HER-2 overexpressed (SK-BR-3) histotypes. We identified human miR-34a expression as being >3-fold down (from its median expression value across all cell lines) in MDA-MB-231 cells, and identified AXL as a putative mRNA target using multiple miRNA/target prediction algorithms. The miR-34a/AXL interaction was functionally characterized through ectopic overexpression experiments with a miR-34a mimic in two independent triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. In reporter assays, miR-34a binds to its putative target site within the AXL 3′UTR to inhibit luciferase expression. We also observed degradation of AXL mRNA and decreased AXL protein levels, as well as cell signaling effects on AKT phosphorylation and phenotypic effects on cell migration. Finally, we present an inverse correlative trend in miR-34a and AXL expression for both cell line and patient tumor samples.
Mechanical rock grinding in the Mississippi River: anthropogenic noise production and implications for the federally endangered pallid sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus (Forbes & Richardson, 1905)

Summary The use of mechanical rock grinding to remove rock pinnacles and outcroppings, considered to be navigation hazards in the Mississippi River, was evaluated as a less damaging alternative when compared to the more conventional use of drilling and blasting. The project area contains the federally endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) and there was concern that intense sound pressure levels (SPLs) could impact the species. SPLs were measured during production rock grinding (January 2012, just north of Thebes, Illinois) and compared to those values with SPLs known to cause fish mortality, hearing damage, temporary hearing threshold shifts (TTS), and stress. The source SPLs’ maxima for each time block analyzed ranged from 160–172 dB (re 1 μPa @ 1 m) at frequencies ranging from 100–1250 Hz (1/3-octave band). The highest source SPL maximum recorded for the sound recording session was 172 dB (re 1 μPa @ 1 m) at 1250 Hz. These SPL levels at 1 m from the grinder were well below levels responsible for mortality or noise induced hearing damage. The impact zone for stress (increases in cortisol) was calculated to be within a 9 m radius of the grinder, while the impact zone for TTS was calculated to be within 31 m of the grinder. Considering the small impact zones and continuous noise production during grinding, there is a strong possibility that sturgeon would either avoid or move out of the impact zone.
Axonal transport of sulfated glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides in the garfish olfactory nerve.

—Application of 35SO4 to the olfactory mucosa of the long-nosed garfish is found to label sulfated macromolecules which are transported down the olfactory nerve. The transported molecules pass along the nerve as a discrete peak whose leading edge has a transport velocity of 206 ± 6 mm/day. A large portion of the radioactivity from the peak is deposited along the axon. At 2 days after isotope application 83% of the total nerve radioactivity is in the axons and the remaining 17% has accumulated at the terminals in the olfactory bulb. Characterization of sulfated material in the migrating peak indicates that both sulfated glycoproteins (isolated as glycopeptides) and mucopolysaccharides, including chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate, are undergoing transport.
UNDERSTANDING RESPONSES TO MULTI‐SOURCE FEEDBACK: THE ROLE OF CORE SELF‐EVALUATIONS

This longitudinal study examines the role of core self-evaluations in responses to multisource feedback. Consistent with past research, feedback recipients were most satisfied when others' ratings were high. Core self-evaluations was not related to satisfaction with feedback, but was positively linked to goal commitment 4 months after feedback. Polynomial regression results reveal a complex pattern of associations among core self-evaluations, ratings, satisfaction, and commitment to developmental goals. Specifically, individuals with high core self-evaluations were most committed to developmental goals when self and others' ratings were discrepant. In contrast, individuals with low core self-evaluations were most committed to developmental goals when self and others' ratings were in agreement. Our results question the notion that satisfaction with feedback affects motivation to improve and highlight the importance of personality in motivation to improve following feedback. We discuss practical and theoretical implications of our findings and provide a theoretical framework for future research.
Parsimony with and without Scientific Justification

Brower's (2000, Cladistics 16, 143–154) pursuit of a nonevolutionary cladistics, like those of others (e.g., Scotland, 2000, Syst. Biol. 49, 480–500), fails for lack of a scientific justification. His operational explication of parsimony does not necessarily rule out the use of other criteria on which to base the identification of a hierarchical branching pattern, nor does he give a compelling reason for why just that one kind of pattern is sought. In the absence of evolutionary theory, such as the descent of species, and the modification of character states, one from another, there is no scientific reason to seek congruence among character hierarchies whose origins, functions, and fates are not necessarily the same. Brower's operational parsimony is no substitute for phylogenetic parsimony, where requirements for ad hoc hypotheses of homoplasy are justifiably minimized, assuming only “descent, with modification.” In addition to maximizing explanatory power, that most parsimonious cladogram is the least disconfirmed, most highly corroborated, hypothesis.
A DSP-based active disturbance rejection control design for a 1-kW H-bridge DC-DC power converter

This paper presents the design and implementation of an advanced digital controller for a 1-kW H-bridge dc-dc power converter. A new control algorithm based on the active disturbance rejection concept is developed to cope with the highly nonlinear dynamics of the converter and the disturbances. An experimental digital control system is used to implement the new control strategy. It consists of a digital control board based on the TMS320C6711 digital signal processor chip, an analogy I/O board, and a complex programmable logic device pulsewidth-modulation generation board. Using a newly developed bandwidth-parametrization technique, an autotuning method based on noise quantification is also developed and tested. Experimental results show the advantages and flexibilities of the new control method for the H-bridge dc-dc power converter.
Understanding the service component of application service provision: empirical analysis of satisfaction with ASP services

In spite of the promise and potential of improving the way organizations develop, operate and maintain information technology (IT) applications, application service providers (ASPs) have fared poorly in terms of attracting a large client base. Anecdotal evidence in the business press points to limited satisfaction among users of ASP, which calls for an assessment of determinants of satisfaction with ASP. In this paper, we draw upon the consumer satisfaction paradigm widely employed in marketing literature to analyze post-usage satisfaction with ASP services. We develop a conceptual model of satisfaction with ASP and empirically test the predictions using data from 256 firms using ASP services. Expectations about ASP service have a significant influence on the performance evaluation of ASPs, and experience-based norms have only limited significance in explaining satisfaction with ASP. We also find empirical support for the influence of performance and disconfirmation on the satisfaction with ASP. Implications for both ASPs and organizations adopting ASP services are discussed.
Taking a Course in Research Methods Improves Reasoning about Real-Life Events

We examined the extent to which students who take a course in research methods improve their reasoning about real-life events. Because social science majors improve their methodological and statistical reasoning during 4 years of college (Lehman & Nisbett, 1990), a logical source of this improvement in psychology would be the Research Methods course. We tested students in Research Methods and in Developmental Psychology on methodological and statistical reasoning at the beginning and the end of the term. As expected, reasoning scores of Research Methods students improved more than did scores of Developmental Psychology students. These results have implications for teaching because they support our intuitive notions that what we are teaching has real-life value.
Endothelin‐1 production and agonist activities in cultured prostate‐derived cells: Implications for regulation of endothelin bioactivity and bioavailability in prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND Endothelin-1 (ET-1) interacts with specific G-protein-coupled receptors to initiate short-term (contraction) and long-term (mitogenesis) events in target cells. ET-1 is an abundant prostate secretory protein that, in its biologically active form, elicits prostatic smooth muscle contraction. The present study was designed to determine the effects of ET-1 on prostate cell growth and to examine the regulation of endogenous ET-1 activity and bioavailability. METHODS Primary cultures of prostate secretory epithelial (PE) and prostate fibromuscular stromal (PS) cells were established from benign human prostate tissue. RESULTS In culture, PE cells secrete immunoreactive ET-1 (38.5 ± 1.6 pg/ml/106 cells/24 hr) into the conditioned medium. Levels of immunoreactive ET-1 produced by PS cells were more than 10-fold lower. Endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) mRNA was detected in PE cells and not in PS cells; however, big ET-1 was the predominant immunoreactive ET-1 secretory product of PE cells. The ETB endothelin receptor was the predominant subtype in both PE and PS cells. In PS cells, but not PE cells, ET-1 induced significant inositol phosphate accumulation and [3H]-thymidine uptake. Agonist activity was inhibited by the ETB receptor selective antagonist, BQ 788. Intact PE cell monolayers secrete ET-1 through the apical surface, consistent with secretion of ET-1 into the glandular lumen in vivo. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of these findings, regulation of ET-1 activity and bioavailability appears to be tightly regulated. Such findings have important implications in the pathophysiology of prostate disease. Prostate 34:241–250, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Human NK cells inhibit cytomegalovirus replication through a noncytolytic mechanism involving lymphotoxin-dependent induction of IFN-β

NK cells play a key role in host defense against the β-herpesvirus CMV through perforin-dependent cytolysis. In this study, we show that human NK cells can also control human CMV (HCMV) infection by a noncytolytic mechanism involving induction of IFN-β in the virus-infected cell. Both IL-2-activated primary NK cells and an IL-2-dependent NK cell line (NK-92) exhibited potent, noncytolytic anti-HCMV activity at very low E:T cell ratios (<0.1:1). Activated NK cells expressed lymphotoxin (LT)αβ on their cell surface, and secreted LTα and TNF, all of which contributed to the NF-κB-dependent release of IFN-β from infected fibroblasts. IFN-β produced by fibroblasts and NK cell-produced IFN-γ combined to inhibit HCMV replication after immediate early gene expression. These results highlight an efficient mechanism used by NK cells to activate IFN-β expression in the infected target cell that contributes to the arrest of virion production and virus spread without cellular elimination.
Pathologic quiz case. A sinonasal mass in a 79-year-old African American woman.

79-year-old African American woman presented with a 3-week history of right-sided epistaxis, purulent rhinorrhea, and facial swelling. The patient also complained of a red bulging right eye with tearing. Her past medical history was significant for bilateral breast carcinomas treated with bilateral mastectomies (1986 and 1993) and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, she had hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and asthma. She had smoked 2 packs per day (80 pack-years), but she had quit approximately 20 years earlier. An obvious nasal mass was noted upon examination. Magnetic resonance imaging of the sinuses demonstrated a large mass (indicated by asterisk in Figure 1) involving the right maxillary sinus and into the nasal cavity. The tumor extended to the right orbit and to the temporal and pterygoid fossae. The inframedial aspect of the right orbit and