cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers in Trauma Care: Scientific Rationale for the US Multicenter Prehosptial Trial

The greatest need for blood substitutes worldwide is in patients with unanticipated acute blood loss, and trauma is the most likely scenario. The blood substitutes reaching advanced clinical trials today are red blood cell (RBC) substitutes derived from hemoglobin. The hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) tested currently in advanced clinical trials are polymerized hemoglobin solutions. In the USA, the standard approach to restoring oxygen delivery for hemorrhagic shock has been crystalloid administration to expand intravascular volume, followed by stored RBCs for critical anemia. Allogeneic RBCs, however, may have adverse immunoinflammatory effects that increase the risk of postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF). Phase II in hospital clinical trials, as well as in vitro and in vivo work, suggest that resuscitation with an HBOC—in lieu of stored RBCs—attenuates the systemic inflammatory response invoked in the pathogenesis of MOF. Specifically, an HBOC has been shown to obviate stored RBC-provoked polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) priming, endothelial activation, and systemic release of interleukins (IL) 6, 8, and 10. In a 2-event rodent study of shock-induced PMN-mediated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the simulated prehospital administration of an HBOC markedly attenuated lung injury. Based on this background and work by others, we have initiated a US multicenter prehospital trial in which severely injured patients with major blood loss [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤90 mmHg] are randomized to initial field resuscitation with crystalloid versus HBOC. During the hospital phase, the control group is further resuscitated with stored RBCs whereas the study group receives HBOC (up to 6 units) in the first 12 hours. The primary study endpoint is decreased 30-day mortality, and secondary endpoints include reductions in administration of allogeneic RBCs and uncrossmatched RBCs; avoiding circulating hemoglobin levels 500 injured patients have been enrolled in this multicenter trial, and the final interim analyses support the original target of 720.
A hypothesis for what conformation of the major adduct of (+)-anti-B[a]PDE (N2-dG) causes G→T versus G→A mutations based upon a correlation between mutagenesis and molecular modeling results

Molecular modeling (simulated annealing) was used to study the conformations in dsDNA of [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG (R.E. Kozack and E.L.Loechler, accompanying paper), which is the major benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) adduct. Sixteen classes of conformations were identified, and are analyzed herein vis-a-vis the two most prominent B[a]P mutations, G-->T and G-->A base substitutions. Eight conformations seem more relevant to frameshift mutagenesis, so they are excluded, leaving eight conformations as follows. Two conformations (BPmi5 and BPmi3) retain Watson-Crick G:C base pairing having the B[a]P moiety of the adduct in the minor groove. Two conformations (BPma5 and BPma3) have the Hoogsteen orientation with B[a]P in the major groove. Four conformations are base displaced and have B[a]P stacked in the helix with the dG moiety of the adduct displaced into either the major groove (Gma5 and Gma3) or the minor groove (Gmi5 and Gmi3). Three of these eight conformations (BPma5, BPma3 and Gma3) are universally high in energy. The two conformations that retain G:C base pairing potential (BPmi5 and BPmi3) are likely to be non-mutagenic. Of the three remaining conformations, Gmi5 can be relatively low in energy, but is distorted. A correlation exists between the calculated energies for the remaining two base displaced conformations and mutagenesis for [+ta]-B[a]P-N2-dG, leading to the hypothesis that Gma5 is responsible for G-->T mutations and Gmi3 is responsible for G-->A mutations. Gma5 and Gmi3 resemble each other, except that dG is in the major and minor grooves, respectively. An incipient rationale for this hypothesis is discussed: DNA polymerase might be triggered to follow a different mutagenic pathway depending upon whether a non-informational lesion has bulk protruding into the major or minor groove. A pathway for interconversion between these eight conformations is also proposed and its implications are discussed; e.g. four steps are required to interconvert between Gma5 and Gmi3.
Runx2 controls a feed‐forward loop between androgen and prolactin‐induced protein (PIP) in stimulating T47D cell proliferation

PIP is a small polypeptide expressed by breast and prostate cancer (BCa, PCa) cells. However, both the regulation of PIP expression and its function in cancer cells are poorly understood. Using breast and prostate cancer cells, we found that Runx2, a pro-metastatic transcription factor, functionally interacts with the Androgen Receptor (AR) to regulate PIP expression. Runx2 expression in C4-2B cells synergized with AR to promote PIP expression, whereas its knockdown in T47D BCa cells abrogated basal as well as hormone stimulated PIP expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays showed that Runx2 and AR co-occupied an enhancer element located ~11kb upstream of the PIP open reading frame, and that Runx2 facilitated AR recruitment to the enhancer. PIP knockdown in T47D cells compromised DHT-stimulated expression of multiple AR target genes including PSA, FKBP5, FASN, and SGK1. The inhibition of AR activity due to loss of PIP was attributable at least in part to abrogation of its nuclear translocation. PIP knockdown also suppressed T47D cell proliferation driven by either serum growth factors or dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Our data suggest that Runx2 controls a positive feedback loop between androgen signaling and PIP, and pharmacological inhibition of PIP may be useful to treat PIP positive tumors.
Identification of cell types from single-cell transcriptomes using a novel clustering method

Motivation The recent advance of single-cell technologies has brought new insights into complex biological phenomena. In particular, genome-wide single-cell measurements such as transcriptome sequencing enable the characterization of cellular composition as well as functional variation in homogenic cell populations. An important step in the single-cell transcriptome analysis is to group cells that belong to the same cell types based on gene expression patterns. The corresponding computational problem is to cluster a noisy high dimensional dataset with substantially fewer objects (cells) than the number of variables (genes). Results In this article, we describe a novel algorithm named shared nearest neighbor (SNN)-Cliq that clusters single-cell transcriptomes. SNN-Cliq utilizes the concept of shared nearest neighbor that shows advantages in handling high-dimensional data. When evaluated on a variety of synthetic and real experimental datasets, SNN-Cliq outperformed the state-of-the-art methods tested. More importantly, the clustering results of SNN-Cliq reflect the cell types or origins with high accuracy. Availability and implementation The algorithm is implemented in MATLAB and Python. The source code can be downloaded at http://bioinfo.uncc.edu/SNNCliq.
Hajdu-Cheney syndrome: a review

Hajdu Cheney Syndrome (HCS), Orpha 955, is a rare disease characterized by acroosteolysis, severe osteoporosis, short stature, specific craniofacial features, wormian bones, neurological symptoms, cardiovascular defects and polycystic kidneys. HCS is rare and is inherited as autosomal dominant although many sporadic cases have been reported. HCS is associated with mutations in exon 34 of NOTCH2 upstream the PEST domain that lead to the creation of a truncated and stable NOTCH2 protein with enhanced NOTCH2 signaling activity. Although the number of cases with NOTCH2 mutations reported are limited, it would seem that the diagnosis of HCS can be established by sequence analysis of exon 34 of NOTCH2. Notch receptors are single-pass transmembrane proteins that determine cell fate, and play a critical role in skeletal development and homeostasis. Dysregulation of Notch signaling is associated with skeletal developmental disorders. There is limited information about the mechanisms of the bone loss and acroosteolysis in HCS making decisions regarding therapeutic intervention difficult. Bone antiresorptive and anabolic agents have been tried to treat the osteoporosis, but their benefit has not been established. In conclusion, Notch regulates skeletal development and bone remodeling, and gain-of-function mutations of NOTCH2 are associated with HCS.
Effects of ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) on strontium, actinides, and RCRA metals in SRS simulated waste

Three radionuclide-spiked salt solutions have been prepared that simulate a range of typical compositions in Savannah River Site waste solutions. The Savannah River National Laboratory performed a series of tests with the three salt solutions designed to determine the propensity of ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) to bind some of the common analytes such as the actinides (Pu, Am, Np, U), strontium, or the elements (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Se) regulated by the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA). The results of the tests indicate that within the protocol conditions, AMP exhibited no appreciable affinity for plutonium, neptunium, uranium and strontium. AMP showed a possible minor affinity for americium; however, the data is not as clear due to continued americium solubility changes during the duration of the experiment. Of the eight RCRA elements studied, AMP exhibited affinity for only silver under our experimental conditions.
The minority spin surface bands of CoS2(001)

Angle-resolved photoemission was used to study the surface electronic band structure of high quality single crystals of ferromagnetic CoS2 (below 120?K). Strongly dispersing Co t2g bands are identified along the 100? direction, the ? line of the surface Brillouin zone, in agreement with model calculations. The calculated surface band structure includes corrections for the previously determined surface structure of CoS2(001) and is in general agreement with the experimental photoemission spectra in the region of the Fermi level. There is evidence of the existence of several minority spin surface states, falling into a gap of the projected minority spin bulk CoS2(001) band structure.
Selective Estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) for the brain: Recent advances and remaining challenges for developing a NeuroSERM

Estrogen regulation of cognitive function and prevention of neurodegenerative disease has come to be of major scientific and clinical importance. While these functions rank paramount among concerns of women during menopause, the neoplastic risks associated with estrogen and hormone replacement therapy lead most women to elect against hormone intervention during menopause or to seek alternative estrogens in an attempt to ameliorate menopause-associated deficits and disease risks. Development of an effective selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) for use as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy must address the issues of efficacy in and availability to the brain. Abrief review of estrogen effects on cognition, neuroprotective capability, and disease prevention is provided followed by an analysis of current knowledge regarding SERM efficacy in brain. Lastly, the challenges that remain for developing an effective NeuroSERM™ are considered. Drug Dev. Res. 56:380–392, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The challenge of climate to man

Around 900 A.D. a group of small villages was established in northwest Iowa by Indians of what we now call the Mill Creek culture. Around 1400 A.D., after many prosperous years, the villages were abandoned. In the summer of 1963, archeological and geological excavations of several sites of the Mill Creek culture began. While three major sites were excavated, one known as Phipps site provided the clearest historical record of civilization in the area. To reconstruct both the habits of the Mill Creek people and the environment in which they lived, scientists have studied a wide assortment of remains preserved in the strata of northwestern Iowa. Unnoticed without the aid of a microscope are the remains of pollen grains blown into the area from surrounding trees. The pollen preserved in the strata can be read as an historic log of changes in the vegetation and climate surrounding the Mill Creek area. The village was occupied about 900 A.D. on the flood plain of Mill Creek. The pollen evidence shows that during the 10th and 11th centuries, the Indians lived in a region with tall-grass prairie on the uplands and woods on the valley terraces and valley floors. This vegetation is not very different from today's if one substitutes ‘cornfield’ for ‘prairie.’ From evidence given by fossil bones found in the strata, it seems that deer and elk were abundant and were hunted by these Indians. The Indian meat diet appears to have been dominated by these animals, supplemented only occasionally by bison. Maize was the main agricultural product.
The escherichia coli adenylyl cyclase complex: Stimulation by GTP and other nucleotides

Escherichia coli cells permeabilized by treatment with low concentrations of toluene contain an adenylyl cyclase activity that can be stimulated 3.6-7.6-fold by GTP. The stimulatory effect of GTP is maximal at concentrations of the nucleotide in the physiological range (above 0.7 mM). Studies of the dependence of velocity on substrate (ATP) concentration indicate that the velocity vs. substrate plots are sigmoid in the absence of GTP but hyperbolic in the presence of GTP, suggesting an allosteric regulatory site that can be occupied by either ATP or GTP. Replacement of ATP by AMPPNP as substrate results in velocity vs. substrate plots that are hyperbolic in the absence or presence of GTP, although GTP increases the Vmax by a factor of 2.2; these findings indicate that AMPPNP specifically occupies the substrate site and GTP exclusively occupies the regulatory site. A test of the capacity of other guanine nucleotides to stimulate adenylyl cyclase activity showed that 2'-deoxy-GTP was almost as effective as GTP, but that GDP, GMP, ppGpp, and 3',5'-cGMP were not stimulatory effectors; GTP-gamma-S and GMPPNP stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity but to a lesser degree than did GTP. In addition to the previous indication that ATP can occupy the regulatory site on adenylyl cyclase, it was found that CTP and UTP were potent stimulators. Thus, all the naturally occurring RNA precursor nucleoside triphosphates are capable of stimulating adenylyl cyclase activity. In contrast, PPPi inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Application of independent component analysis to microarrays

We apply linear and nonlinear independent component analysis (ICA) to project microarray data into statistically independent components that correspond to putative biological processes, and to cluster genes according to over- or under-expression in each component. We test the statistical significance of enrichment of gene annotations within clusters. ICA outperforms other leading methods, such as principal component analysis, k-means clustering and the Plaid model, in constructing functionally coherent clusters on microarray datasets from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans and human.
A Versatile Probability Distribution for Light and Heavy Tails of Web File Sizes

A novel unique probability distribution, which has a lognormal body and either light or heavy tail, has been fitted to various empirical data sets of Web file sizes. The optimal parameters of this distribution have been determined by the maximum likelihood estimation combined with the optimization algorithm minimizing a goodness-of-fit metric specially adopted to provide the best fit to the upper tail. The mirror transformation of the processed original data set with respect to the median has been proposed to improve the fit. The obtained results question the common opinion that the probability distribution of Web file sizes is heavy-tailed. The lognormal fits are given for comparison.
Functional Models for VLSI Design

This paper presents expectations, results, and comments on a project that used the N. mPc register transfer simulation package as a functional simulator to develop models for the MC68000 and MC68010. Several models that were developed to help determine both advantages and disadvantages of various levels of functionality are described. It is shown that functional level simulations do indeed serve a valuable purpose in the design cycle as an additional, although by no means the only, tool for system level design verification.
Sulfur K-Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Calculations on Monooxo MoIV and Bisoxo MoVI Bis-dithiolenes: Insights into the Mechanism of Oxo Transfer in Sulfite Oxidase and Its Relation to the Mechanism of DMSO Reductase

Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to determine the electronic structures of two complexes [MoIVO(bdt)2]2– and [MoVIO2(bdt)2]2– (bdt = benzene-1,2-dithiolate(2−)) that relate to the reduced and oxidized forms of sulfite oxidase (SO). These are compared with those of previously studied dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (DMSOr) models. DFT calculations supported by the data are extended to evaluate the reaction coordinate for oxo transfer to a phosphite ester substrate. Three possible transition states are found with the one at lowest energy, stabilized by a P–S interaction, in good agreement with experimental kinetics data. Comparison of both oxo transfer reactions shows that in DMSOr, where the oxo is transferred from the substrate to the metal ion, the oxo transfer induces electron transfer, while in SO, where the oxo transfer is from the metal site to the substrate, the electron transfer initiates oxo transfer. This difference in ...
H2 norm of linear time-periodic systems: a perturbation analysis

We consider a class of linear time-periodic systems in which dynamical generator A(t) represents a sum of a stable time-invariant operator A0 and a small amplitude zero-mean T-periodic operator epsiAP(t). We employ a perturbation analysis to develop a computationally efficient method for determination of the H 2 norm. Up to a second order in perturbation parameter epsi we show that: a) the H2 norm can be obtained from a conveniently coupled system of readily solvable Lyapunov and Sylvester equations; b) there is no coupling between different harmonics of Ap(t) in the expression for the H2 norm. These two properties do not hold for arbitrary values of epsi, and their derivation would not be possible if we tried to determine the H2 norm directly without resorting to perturbation analysis. Our method is well suited for identification of the values of period T that lead to the largest increase/reduction of the H2 norm. Two examples are provided to motivate the developments and illustrate the procedure
Social communication in children with autism The relationship between theory of mind and discourse development

This longitudinal study investigated the developmental trajectory of discourse skills and theory of mind in 57 children with autism. Children were tested at two time points spaced 1 year apart. Each year they provided a natural language sample while interacting with one parent, and were given standardized vocabulary measures and a developmentally sequenced battery of theory of mind tasks. The language samples were coded for conversational skills, specifically the child's use of topic-related contingent utterances. Children with autism made significant gains over 1 year in the ability to maintain a topic of discourse. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that theory of mind skills contributed unique variance to individual differences in contingent discourse ability and vice versa, when measured concurrently; however, they did not predict longitudinal changes. The findings offer some empirical support for the hypothesis that theory of mind is linked to communicative competence in children with autism.
The Interaction of Ability Differences and Guessing When Modeling Differential Item Functioning With the Rasch Model: Conventional and Tailored Calibration.

In educational testing, differential item functioning (DIF) statistics must be accurately estimated to ensure the appropriate items are flagged for inspection or removal. This study showed how using the Rasch model to estimate DIF may introduce considerable bias in the results when there are large group differences in ability (impact) and the data follow a three-parameter logistic model. With large group ability differences, difficult non-DIF items appeared to favor the focal group and easy non-DIF items appeared to favor the reference group. Correspondingly, the effect sizes for DIF items were biased. These effects were mitigated when data were coded as missing for item–examinee encounters in which the person measure was considerably lower than the item location. Explanation of these results is provided by illustrating how the item response function becomes differentially distorted by guessing depending on the groups’ ability distributions. In terms of practical implications, results suggest that measurement practitioners should not trust the DIF estimates from the Rasch model when there is a large difference in ability and examinees are potentially able to answer items correctly by guessing, unless data from examinees poorly matched to the item difficulty are coded as missing.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques for pancreatic cancer: ready for prime time?

Minimally invasive surgical techniques for pancreatic cancer are being applied with increasing frequency. With support of the literature, the location of the tumor within the pancreas is the factor which determines if these techniques can be safely used routinely by pancreatic surgeons. Literature supporting minimally invasive techniques for all types of resections for pancreatic cancer was reviewed. Multiple meta-analysis regarding laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy all support the routine use of laparoscopy for these lesions. There are several case series describing the safety and efficacious use of laparoscopy in pancreaticoduodenectomy, and results have been promising in these highly specialized centers. The location of the tumor within the pancreas remains the most critical factor in the use of laparoscopy as the standard of care. Lesions in the body and tail, which are readily resected with a distal or subtotal pancreatectomy should be performed laparoscopically unless there is a clear reason why not to do so. Lesions in the head of the pancreas have been shown to be removed safely and effectively with laparoscopy. However, the technical skills necessary and the ability to teach these to trainees are the limiting factors to widespread use. Further series are necessary to assess if the laparoscopic approach to pancreaticoduodenectomy will play a similar role as the one it plays in the surgical treatment for distal lesions.
Perspectives on the eutrophication of the Yahara lakes

Abstract Eutrophication of the four Yahara lakes—Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa—near Madison, Wisconsin, has been dramatic since the mid-1800s. For Lake Mendota, the erosion of sediments from higher water levels established by the damming of the lake's outlet, plus the agricultural expansion of its watershed, resulted in blue-green algal growths. These impacts, however, were dwarfed by water quality problems stemming from Madison's wastewater inputs that directly entered Lake Monona from the late 1800s through 1936, and then Lake Waubesa until 1958. Blue-green algal blooms were so bad in the lower Yahara lakes that the Madison Public Health Department conducted major copper sulfate treatments during 1925–1954. During the wastewater input years, inorganic nitrogen (N) and especially dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) concentrations in the surface waters were very high (particularly in Waubesa and Kegonsa), indicating neither nutrient was limiting algal growth. No P legacy from the wastewater inputs...
Learning With Maps and Texts: An Overview

This paper serves as an overview of the research done on learning with geographic maps that are presented in conjunction with a related text. First, the review looks at a model of map and text learning and the factors such as prior knowledge and individual differences that affect the model. Second, the review examines how the location of features on a map has a significant effect on what is learned from the map; namely, that features located on the edge of a map are learned and remembered more often and at higher rates than those features located in the interior of the map. Next, the review looks at several ways maps can be used effectively in classrooms. The order of presentation, situated cognition, and the use of technology to improve map learning in classrooms are all discussed. Finally, the review looks at the future of learning from maps and texts.
Humoral factors important in resistance of salmonid fish to bacterial disease.II.Anti-Vibrio anguillarum activity in mucus and observations on complement

Harrell, L.W., Etlinger, H.M. and Hodgins, H.O., 1976. Humoral factors impcirtant in resistance of salmonid fish to bacterial disease. II. Anti-Vibrio anguillarum activity in mucus and observations on complement. Aquaculture, 7: 363-370. It has been demonstrated that heat-stable (presumably antibody) and heat-labile (presumably complement) components are necessary to prevent the growth of Vibrio anguillarum in in vitro experiments with trout immune serum and mucus. Anti-V. anguillarum agglutinins were found in the body mucus of intraperitoneally immunized rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) 3-6 weeks after serum agglutination titers of 131 072 or greater were attained. A component of rainbow trout body mucus was found to be indistinguishable from serum immunoglobulin by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis.
Hiding opaque eyes in transparent organisms: a potential role for larval eyeshine in stomatopod crustaceans

Opaque screening pigments are a fundamental requisite for preserving resolution in image-forming eyes. Possession of any type of image-forming eye in a transparent, pelagic animal will thus undermine the ability of that animal to be invisible in the water column. Transparent, pelagic animals must therefore deal with the trade-off between the ability to see and the ability of other animals to see them. Stomatopod larvae, like many transparent crustaceans, possess specialized optics in their compound eyes that minimize the volume of the opaque retina. Though the volumes of these retinas are reduced, their opacity remains conspicuous to an observer. The light reflected from structures overlying the retinas of stomatopod crustacean larval eyes, referred to here as eyeshine, is hypothesized to further reduce the visibility of opaque retinas. Blue or green wavelengths of light are most strongly reflected in stomatopod larval eyeshine, suggesting a putative spectral matching to the light environment against which the larval eyes are viewed. We tested the efficacy of stomatopod crustacean larval eyeshine as an ocular camouflaging mechanism by photographing larvae in their natural light environment and analysing the contrast of eyes with the background light. To test for spectral matching between stomatopod larval eyeshine and the background light environment, we characterized the spectrum of eyeshine and calculated its performance using radiometric measurements collected at the time of each photographic series. These results are the first to demonstrate an operative mirror camouflage matched in both spectrum and radiance to the pelagic background light environment.
Intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1 and chloride channel modulate chemokine ligand (CCL19/CCL21)-induced migration of dendritic cells.

The role of ion channels is largely unknown in chemokine-induced migration in nonexcitable cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we examined the role of intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa3.1) and chloride channel (CLC3) in lymphatic chemokine–induced migration of DCs. The amplitude and kinetics of chemokine ligand (CCL19/CCL21)-induced Ca 2+ influx were associated with chemokine receptor 7 expression levels, extracellular-free Ca 2+ and Cl − , and independent of extracellular K + . Chemokines (CCL19 and CCL21) and KCa3.1 activator (1-ethyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one) induced plasma membrane hyperpolarization and K + efflux, which was blocked by 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole, suggesting that KCa3.1 carried larger conductance than the inward calcium release–activated calcium channel. Blockade of KCa3.1, low Cl − in the medium, and low dose of 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS) impaired CCL19/CCL21–induced Ca 2+ influx, cell volume change, and DC migration. High doses of DIDS completely blocked DC migration possibly by significantly disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential. In conclusion, KCa3.1 and CLC3 are critical in human DC migration by synergistically regulating membrane potential, chemokine-induced Ca 2+ influx, and cell volume.
An Ontological Multi-Agent System for Web FAQ Query

This paper discusses how ontology helps Web FAQ query. We are describing FAQ-master, discussing how it improves FAQ query quality from the following three aspects of Web search activities at the same time: user intention, document content processing, and website search. The system is implemented as four agents working together through an ontology-supported content base. Techniques involved in the design include domain ontology, ontology-supported user query processing, ontology-supported solution caching, ontology-directed FAQ wrapping, storage, retrieval and ranking, and ontology-supported website classification and expansion.
Identifying the Returns to Lying When the Truth is Unobserved

Consider an observed binary regressor D and an unobserved binary variable D � , both of which affect some other variable Y. This paper considers nonparametric identication and estimation of the effect of D on Y, conditioning on DD 0. For example, suppose Y is a person's wage, the unobserved D � indicates if the person has been to college, and the observed D indicates whether the individual claims to have been to college. This paper then identies and estimates the difference in average wages between those who falsely claim college experience versus those who tell the truth about not having college. We estimate this average returns to lying to be about 7% to 20%. Nonparametric identication without observing Dis obtained either by observing a variable V that is roughly analogous to an instrument for
SIFOpt - Fixed-Point Implementations of Calculations from Floating-Point Descriptions

Signal and image processing and control algorithms are typically developed using double-precision floating point arithmetic, in a high-level software design environment such as Matlab/Simulink, IDL, or C/C++. The avionics system designer must implement these computations in a platform that satisfies the constraints of on-board data processing such as size, weight, power consumption and radiation hardness. The ability to implement math-intensive signal processing and control algorithms on simple, integer-only hardware would greatly increase the avionics system designer's options. This paper presents a methodology and software tool for generating fixed point computations, enabling integer-only processors to achieve numerical accuracy comparable to floating point, faster and with reduced size, weight, cost, and power consumption. The methodology has been successfully demonstrated on image focal plane array calibration, Fourier transform hyper-spectral imager data conversion, wavelet-based feature selection, and various pattern recognition tasks.
Canopy Architecture, Light Extinction and Self-Shading of a Prairie Grass, Andropogon Gerardii

Abstract The three-dimensional characteristics of canopy structure and light environment of clones of a common tallgrass prairie species, Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem), were analyzed in native and reconstructed prairies near Ames, Iowa to determine if clones are limited in size by the effects of self-shading. Clones tended to be nearly circular, with a mean circumference of 158 cm and a mean cross-sectional area of 2060 cm2; clone height was consistently near 60 cm in early summer. Irradiance at a given height in the canopy, calculated as a fraction of radiation above the canopy, decreased rapidly during May and June as plants completed most of their seasonal growth, but was relatively constant in July and August. A vertical gradient in light dominated the spatial variation in light within clones. Horizontally through a clone, light levels were higher around the southern (sun-side) periphery. Spatial variation in light, in terms of the range of values found, was least at the bottom and upper parts of...
Familial Aggregation and Co-Aggregation of Essential Tremor and Parkinson's Disease

Background: Current data suggest that the 2 common tremor disorders, essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD), may be associated with one another. Familial aggregation studies allow one to further explore their relatedness. Methods: Probands with ET (n = 110), PD (n = 130) or both ET and PD (n = 27) and control probands (n = 177) reported whether they had relatives with these diseases or with non-specific tremor. Results: A greater proportion of ET probands than control probands reported relatives with ET (30.0 vs. 2.8%, p Conclusions: This study provides evidence for the aggregation of ET in ET families and PD in PD families, and the familial co-aggregation of ET and PD.
Generic Ionizing Radiation Quarantine Treatments Against Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) Proposed

Tephritid fruit flies comprise the most important group of quarantined pests of fresh produce. Most quarantine treatments of fresh agricultural commodities are directed against these pests, and considerable effort in detection, trapping, and population control is expended worldwide to prevent these pests from invading new territories. Ionizing radiation has been studied for 70 yr for its possible use as a quarantine treatment against fruit flies, but has only been applied commercially on a limited basis since 1995. The treatment has great potential and will probably be used extensively in the future as it is tolerated by more species of fruits than any other major treatment. The U.S. Department Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service only recently proposed allowing irradiation for fresh agricultural imports from other countries, and other countries are studying proposals to do likewise. In 1991, the International Consultative Group on Food Irradiation recommended a generic dose against all tephritid fruit flies of 150 Gy. This article examines the literature dealing with irradiation quarantine treatments against fruit flies and recommends minimum absorbed doses of 70 Gy for Anastrepha spp., 101 Gy for Bactrocera jarvisi and B. tryoni, and 150 Gy for all Tephritidae except when fruits have been stored in hypoxic atmospheres.
Mechanisms of Thermal Decomposition of Transition Metal Organometallic Compounds

Transition metal alkyls are intermediates in a variety of catalytic processes. These intermediate metal alkyls are often thermally unstable: in fact, their thermal instability -- that is, their propensity to transform into different compounds rapidly and in high yield at low temperature -- is frequently the characteristic that makes them catalytically important. Knowledge of the detailed mechanisms of these thermal decompositions is important both in the rational application of known catalytic reactions, and in the development of new ones.
Interferon Biomarkers in Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome

Investigators at University of Manchester, UK, and multiple international centers studied interferon-related biomarkers in patients with Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome (AGS).
Short-Term Exposure to Coal Combustion Waste Has Little Impact on the Skin Microbiome of Adult Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer)

ABSTRACT Disruptions to the microbiome can impact host health as can exposure to environmental contaminants. However, few studies have addressed how environmental contaminants impact the microbiome. We explored this question for frogs that breed in wetlands contaminated with fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion that is enriched in trace elements. We found differences in the bacterial communities among a fly ash-contaminated site and several reference wetlands. We then experimentally assessed the impacts of fly ash on the skin microbiome of adult spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer). Frogs were exposed to fly ash in the laboratory for 12 h, the duration of a typical breeding event, and the skin microbiome was assessed after 5 days (experiment 1) or after 5 and 15 days (experiment 2). We examined bacterial community structure using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metabolite profiles using high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). We found little impact as the result of acute exposure to fly ash on the bacterial communities or metabolite profiles in either experiment, suggesting that the bacterial symbiont communities of adults may be relatively resistant to brief contaminant exposure. However, housing frogs in the laboratory altered bacterial community structure in the two experiments, which supports prior research suggesting that environmental source pools are important for maintaining the amphibian skin microbiome. Therefore, for contaminants like fly ash that may alter the potential source pool of symbionts, we think it may be important to explore how contaminants affect the initial assembly of the amphibian skin microbiome in larval amphibians that develop within contaminated sites. IMPORTANCE Animals are hosts to many symbiotic microorganisms, collectively called the microbiome, that play critical roles in host health. Therefore, environmental contaminants that alter the microbiome may impact hosts. Some of the most widespread contaminants, produced worldwide, are derived from the mining, storage, and combustion of coal for energy. Fly ash, for example, is a by-product of coal combustion. It contains compounds such as arsenic, selenium, cadmium, and strontium and is a recognized source of ground and surface water contamination. Here, we experimentally investigated the impacts of short-term fly ash exposure on the skin microbiome of spring peepers, one of many species of amphibian that sometimes breed in open fly ash disposal ponds. This research provides a look into the potential impacts of fly ash on an animal9s microbiome and suggests important future directions for research on the effects of environmental contaminants on the microbiome.
Effects of Biofuel on the Performance and Emissions Characteristics of a Small Scale Gas Turbine

A 30 kW gas turbine was used to characterize the performance and exhaust emissions of Jet A, soy methyl ester, canola methyl ester, and their blends in Jet A (50% by volume). Measurements included static thrust, thrust-specific fuel consumption, and thermal efficiency over a range of throttle settings. The exhaust concentrations of CO and NO produced by the combustion of these fuels were measured. Results indicated that the addition of biofuel to the Jet A fuel reduced the static thrust and the thrust-specific fuel consumption, and increased the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine. An increase in the biofuel content of a fuel blend also reduced the CO and NO emissions. The performances of biofuel-Jet A blends suggest that an optimum mixture can be used to reduce the pollutant concentrations while still producing the desired thrust. This study demonstrates that biofuels can become viable alternatives or supplements to petroleum-based fuels currently used in gas turbine engines.
25R,26-Hydroxycholesterol revisited: synthesis, metabolism, and biologic roles

The CYP27 gene is expressed in arterial endothelium, macrophages, and other tissues. The gene product generates sterol intermediates that function as ligands for nuclear receptors prior to their transport to the liver for metabolism, mostly to bile acids. Most attention has been given to 27-hydroxycholesterol as a ligand for LXR activated receptors and to chenodeoxycholic acid as a ligand for farnesoid X activated receptors (FXRs). Expression of the pathway in macrophages is essential for normal reverse cholesterol transport. Thus, ABC transporter activity is upregulated, which enhances cholesterol efflux. Absence of these mechanisms probably accounts for the accelerated atherosclerosis that occurs in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. Accumulation of 27-hydroxycholesterol in human atheroma is puzzling and may reflect low levels of oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase activity in human macrophages. The same enzyme determines the proportion of mono-, di-, and tri-hydroxy bile acids synthesized in the liver. Oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase deficiency is a molecular basis for cholestatic liver disease. Chenodeoxycholic acid, the major normal end product, downregulates expression of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase via the FXR/short heterodimer protein nuclear receptor and thus limits total bile acid production. The challenge is to quantify in a physiologic setting the magnitude of the pathway in different tissues and to further evaluate the biologic roles of all the intermediates that may function as ligands for orphan nuclear receptors or via other regulatory mechanisms.
Analysis on epidemic situation of notifiable infectious diseases in Beitang District of Wuxi City from 2007-2011

[Objective]To realize the epidemic situation of notifiable infectious diseases in Beitang District of Wuxi City from 2007-2011,provide the basis for formulating the strategies and measures of infectious disease prevention and control.[Methods] The data from National disease monitoring information reporting system were analyzed by descriptive epidemiological method.[Results]During 2007-2011,a total of 7 909 cases of 23 notifiable infectious diseases were reported,with the average annual incidence rate of 441.0/lakh.The incidence rate of intestinal infectious disease was the highest(63.45%),followed by the bloodborne diseases and sexually transmitted diseases(19.43%),as well as the respiratory infectious disease(17.08%).The top five infectious diseases were infectious diarrhea(131.80/lakh),hand-foot-mouth disease(87.60/lakh),syphilis(53.92/lakh),bacillary dysentery(50.57/lakh) and tuberculosis(34.79/lakh).The incidence rate of respiratory infectious disease has stabilized,and the incidence rate of blood-borne diseases and sexually transmitted diseases showed a declining trend,while the incidence rate of intestinal infectious disease was still relatively high.[Conclusion]The total incidence rate of notifiable infectious diseases in Beitang District of Wuxi City is in a general level,while infectious diarrhea,hand-foot-mouth disease,syphilis,bacillary dysentery and tuberculosis are the main infectious diseases in Beitang District.In the future,the prevention and monitoring of these infectious diseases should be strengthened.
Are we ready to screen for inherited susceptibility to cancer

The discovery of inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of certain cancers could greatly expand the use of predictive genetic testing in healthy individuals. In families with hereditary forms of cancer, the use of genetic tests to determine whether family members have inherited suseptibility mutations (ISMs} may improve out come.
Fast synthesis of fast collections

Many applications require specialized data structures not found in the standard libraries, but implementing new data structures by hand is tedious and error-prone. This paper presents a novel approach for synthesizing efficient implementations of complex collection data structures from high-level specifications that describe the desired retrieval operations. Our approach handles a wider range of data structures than previous work, including structures that maintain an order among their elements or have complex retrieval methods. We have prototyped our approach in a data structure synthesizer called Cozy. Four large, real-world case studies compare structures generated by Cozy against handwritten implementations in terms of correctness and performance. Structures synthesized by Cozy match the performance of handwritten data structures while avoiding human error.
Conclusion: then and now

Certainly, there were those outside the ruling classes or elites of ancient Greece who adhered to alternative ideologies, but as long as politics dominated economics and traditional landed property-owners dominated politics, ‘commercial’ or ‘market’, mentalities or ideologies were not actually going to prevail. Cartledge (1998: 8) INTRODUCTION This conclusion differs both in scope and method from the rest of the book. In scope it goes from micro-historical to the macro-level; in method, from the closely empirical to the speculative. Such sea-changes are justified by a particular notion of the role a conclusion should play. The bulk of an empirical historical work should take the reader from knowing less to knowing more about a given subject. The conclusion should ask, “If true, what of it?” “What is the significance of one's findings?” To my mind, questions of significance call for comparisons, the most timely of which is a comparison between then and now , between the place of traders in the world of classical Greece and the place of their various counterparts in the society in which I live. I live in the southeastern American sunbelt, the fastest growing region in America in wealth and population. In my city professional businesspeople are the wealthiest and most respected element. The nation's largest and fourth-largest banks have their headquarters here, as do 133 interstate trucking firms, a semi-equivalent of ancient maritime trading.