cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Reciprocity to Interdependence: Mass Incarceration and Service-Learning

This essay considers the difficulty of seeing systems of oppression—a challenging first step of writing for social change. I argue that service-learning faculty and public writing scholars have relied on outdated ways of thinking about racism and oppression, treating social issues as isolated instances of discrimination. Instead, by drawing from Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow , I argue that we need to recognize that mass incarceration has created a new a racial caste system and is the root cause uniting many social problems. Mass incarceration and neoliberalism work together to exclude millions of people from economic and civic life, stain them with moral condemnation so that they remain invisible to the majority, and divert public attention from the flaws in our political and economic structures. I use examples from a local nonprofit to illustrate how this framework offers a new approach to service-learning and public writing.
Compartmentalized adaptive topic mining on social media streams

Topic Models are statistical models that can be used for discovering the abstract “topics” that may occur in a text corpus, however they face dramatic challenges when coping with very sparse and yet topically diverse micro-blog posts such as tweets. In such streams, not only are the topics very diverse, but also the vocabulary is huge, making the sampling space for generative models vast. In this work, we propose a topic modeling framework built on top of an existing stream clustering framework, called Stream Dashboard, which can extract, isolate, and track evolving topics over any given time period. The Stream Dashboard module initially clusters the data stream points into homogeneous groups which are then subjected to online topic modeling, thus making our approach a compartmentalized topic modeling approach. The proposed evolving topic mining framework can handle the noise, size, dynamic nature, and diversity of the data stream by partitioning the data in both the content and time spaces, hence making the challenging topic modeling task easier and faster and making the cluster models resulting from Stream-Dashboard compatible with topic modeling, thus more appropriate for text data.
Gender Differences in the Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk for adverse events in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but it is currently unknown if gender differences in these outcomes exist. To explore this hypothesis, we examined gender differences in the associations of AF with adverse outcomes in 3,385 (mean age 69 ± 9.6 years, 49% male, 89% white) patients with HFpEF from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial. Baseline AF cases were identified by self-reported history, medical record review, and baseline electrocardiogram data. Outcomes were adjudicated by a clinical end point committee and included the following: hospitalization, hospitalization for heart failure, stroke, death, and cardiovascular death. Cox regression was used to examine the risk of each outcome associated with AF. Over a median follow-up of 3.4 years, AF was associated with an increased risk for hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34 to 1.66), hospitalization for heart failure (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.81), stroke (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.09), death (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47), and cardiovascular death (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.65). The association between AF and hospitalization was stronger in women (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.91) than men (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.58; p-interaction = 0.032). Although significant interactions were not observed for the other outcomes, we appreciated that the risk estimates were higher for women compared with men. In conclusion, AF increases the risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HFpEF, and the presence of this arrhythmia in women possibly is associated with a greater risk for adverse events than men.
Erratum to: Information Mismatch: Cancer Risk Counseling with Diverse Underserved Patients

Author(s): Joseph, Galen; Pasick, Rena J; Schillinger, Dean; Luce, Judith; Guerra, Claudia; Cheng, Janice Ka Yan
Cancer biology: Enzyme meets a surprise target.

An enzyme previously implicated in gene regulation has now been found to have a role in cancer progression, potentiating an intracellular signalling pathway that is driven by a mutated K-Ras protein. See Letter p.283 SMYD3 is a largely cytoplasmic lysine methyltransferase that is overexpressed in several human tumours. This paper reports that SMYD3 is required for Ras-induced tumour development in mouse models. The enzyme methylates MAP3K2, which inhibits binding of a phosphatase and potentiates the Ras/Raf signalling pathway. These results reveal an unexpected role for lysine methylation in a kinase signalling pathway and establish SMYD3 as a potential therapeutic target.
Rethinking the critical period for language: New insights into an old question from American Sign Language.

We thank the commentators for their thoughtful critiques, which we found both insightful and stimulating to our own thinking. Our first response is that, while debates about the CPL in theoretical contexts are important, the vigor and intensity of these debates should not overshadow the fact that the main goal of our article was to highlight a finding of vital importance: Sufficient language input in early childhood matters deeply because it has long-term consequences (Lillo-Martin, 2018). Woll sums up this point both succinctly and poignantly in her report of a similar case of very late L1 exposure in adulthood who had decades of experience: “For a [deaf] child who, even in the context of early intervention, does not acquire a spoken language, the danger is that they will never have native-like mastery of any L1.” This is what truly matters. Our hope is that our keynote article and the accompanying commentaries might have a positive effect on clinical practice, educational policy, and even parental choice in this regard. In what follows, we discuss the main issues arising from the commentaries. First we note the points of agreement followed by a clarification of what we did not claim in our article. Researchers continue to debate what the shape of the AoA function looks like and its theoretical implications, which we address third. We then address the issues raised as to whether late L1 acquisition and late L2 learning differ in degree or kind, and last we discuss what we mean when we say that language acquisition during post-natal brain growth creates the capacity to learn language.
The Expanding Field of Zinc Supplementation in Children

The determination of zinc deficiency still remains elusive, as there is no single, sensitive index that will provide an accurate answer. Therefore, as suggested by Aggett (1), consideration of known factors that lead to zinc deficiency, a judicious selection of laboratory tests and the clinical or biochemical response to zinc supplements remain the basis of the diagnosis. In controlled studies during the childhood years, a positive growth response to zinc supplements is considered the correction of a pre-existing deficiency state. Thus simple, careful measurements may confirm an existing deficiency and are sometimes more useful than various biochemical assays which have been measured in the quest of defining zinc deficiency. When the many factors that influence plasma zinc concentrations and the limitations of hair zinc levels became known, a broad spectrum of functional indices were examined to include a host of zinc metalloenzymes in plasma, erythrocytes and leukocytes, apothymulin levels in serum and white blood cell chemotaxis. Variations in taste acuity and adaptation to darkness, and measurements of cutaneous hypersensitivity are additional functional indices which are sometimes used to monitor responses to zinc supplements.
Case 26: Tissue Loss in Open Globe Injuries: A Case of an Open Globe Requiring Corneal Patch Graft

An 83-year-old man with a history of a prior open globe injury of his left eye presents with a concern for a Zone I open globe injury of the same eye after a mechanical fall and subsequent direct strike of his eye on a metal railing in the bathroom. Although the patient understood the poor prognosis, he wanted to try and save his eye. Intraoperatively, the patient’s cornea was found to be too friable for direct closure due to the previous open globe and corneal scarring and a corneal patch graft was required to close the eye. Post-operatively, the patch remained in good position with the structural integrity of the globe intact. Corneal or scleral patch grafts may be needed in the event that there is inadequate healthy tissue for direct closure or in cases of tissue loss. There are several tissue options to use in these cases and it is helpful to be aware of these in case they are needed during the repair.
Soil microbial biomass and enzyme data after six years of cover crop and compost treatments in organic vegetable production.

Abstract Cover crops and compost are organic matter inputs that can impact soil health in tillage-intensive, high-input, organic vegetable production systems in the central coast region of California. Data are presented on soil microbial biomass (carbon and nitrogen) and soil enzymes (β-glucosidase, β-glucosaminidase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartase and L-asparaginase and dehydrogenase) from a relatively long-term organic systems experiment in Salinas, California that was focused on lettuce and broccoli production and included eight different certified organic systems. These systems differed in compost inputs, cover cropping frequency, cover crop type, and cover cropping seeding rate. The compost was made from urban yard waste, and the cover crops included rye, a legume-rye mixture, and a mustard mixture planted at two seeding rates (standard rate 1× versus high rate 3×). There were three legume-rye 3× systems that differed in compost inputs (0 versus 15 Mg ha-1 year-1 and cover cropping frequency (every winter versus every fourth winter). The data in this article support and augment information presented in the research articles “Cover cropping frequency is the main driver of soil microbial changes during six years of organic vegetable production” (Brennan and Acosta-Martinez, 2017) and “Cover crops and compost influence soil enzymes during 6 years of tillage-intensive, organic vegetable production” (Brennan and Acosta-Martinez, 2018).
Sarcasm detection on Facebook: a supervised learning approach

Sarcasm is a common feature of user interaction on social networking sites. Sarcasm differs with typical communication in alignment of literal meaning with intended meaning. Humans can recognize sarcasm from sufficient context information including from the various contents available on SNS. Existing literature mainly uses text data to detect sarcasm; though, a few recent studies propose to use image data. To date, no study has focused on user interaction pattern as a source of context information for detecting sarcasm. In this paper, we present a supervised machine learning based approach focusing on both contents of posts (e.g., text, image) and users' interaction on those posts on Facebook.
Technical Review and Optimization of Walk-Through Metal Detector Processes

The growing concern of terrorist violence in western countries has placed an emphasis on the critical nature of effective security practices. It is imperative to identify vulnerabilities, and close security gaps before they can be exploited by extremists. As such we desired to develop a technical testing process to validate the effectiveness of security practices and policies for large sports venues. This study of methodology, technical performance, and implementation of walk-through metal detectors screening processes sought to pinpoint weaknesses in existing measures. Though a series of laboratory testing, field testing, and site observations - performance degradation and detection failure was determined to be induced by one of three aspects; Setup - interference and synchronization between units, Settings - incorrect or inappropriate for conditions, and Operators - ineffective training and procedures. By identifying these anomalies and discrepancies security personnel are able to eliminate or reduce vulnerabilities and calculate a more accurate risk assessments for assets, personnel, and patrons.
Physics-guided Deep Learning for Power System State Estimation

In the past decade, dramatic progress has been made in the field of machine learning. This paper explores the possibility of applying deep learning in power system state estimation. Traditionally, physics-based models are used including weighted least square (WLS) or weighted least absolute value (WLAV). These models typically consider a single snapshot of the system without capturing temporal correlations of system states. In this paper, a physics-guided deep learning (PGDL) method is proposed. Specifically, inspired by autoencoders, deep neural networks (DNNs) are used to learn the temporal correlations. The estimated system states from DNNs are then checked against physics laws by running through a set of power flow equations. Hence, the proposed PGDL is both data-driven and physics-guided. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed PGDL method are compared with traditional methods in standard IEEE cases. Simulations show promising results and the applicability is further discussed.
Vitamin B12 measurements across neurodegenerative disorders.

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes a number of neurological features including cognitive and psychiatric disturbances, gait instability, neuropathy, and autonomic dysfunction. Clinical recognition of B12 deficiency in neurodegenerative disorders is more challenging because it causes defects that overlap with expected disease progression. We sought to determine whether B12 levels at the time of diagnosis in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) differed from those in patients with other neurodegenerative disorders. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of B12 levels obtained around the time of diagnosis in patients with PD, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). We also evaluated the rate of B12 decline in PD, AD, and MCI. In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, and B12 supplementation, we found that B12 levels were significantly lower at time of diagnosis in patients with PD than in patients with PSP, FTD, and DLB. In PD, AD, and MCI, the rate of B12 decline ranged from − 17 to − 47 pg/ml/year, much greater than that reported for the elderly population. Further studies are needed to determine whether comorbid B12 deficiency affects progression of these disorders.
Water-Mediated Peptide Bond Formation in the Gas Phase: A Model Prebiotic Reaction

The emergence of life on the prebiotic Earth must have involved the formation of polypeptides, yet the polymerization of amino acids is thermodynamically unfavorable under biologically relevant aqu...
Chapter 5 – Basic Probability

A historical perspective of probability, along with its various definitions, is presented. Emphasize is placed on the usefulness of probability and the importance of the role that it plays in our daily lives. In addition to basic definitions of probability and the sample space, the basic laws and methods that are commonly used are introduced. We also cover and illustrate the usefulness of Bayes rule. Throughout the chapter, we use real world problems to highlight the importance of the subject of probability.
Strengthening the International Financial Architecture: Recommendations of the Council on Foreign Relations Task Force

In discussing the future international financial architecture—and the future of international financial organizations in particular—I am going to draw heavily on the findings and recommendations of a recent Council on Foreign Relations task force report.1
External Validation of a Clinical Risk Score to Predict Hospital Admission and In-Hospital Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

Identification of patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospital admission or at high-risk of in-hospital mortality is essential to guide patient triage and to provide t...
Strategy Framing in News Coverage and Electoral Success: An Analysis of Topic Model Networks Approach

Past studies examined the prevalence of strategy framing in news coverage and its effects on cynicism, knowledge, and content evaluation. Missing from the literature is an examination of the relati...
Fatal outcomes of militarization: Re-examining the relationship between the 1033 Program and police deadly force

Abstract Purpose Prior literature has examined police militarization by operationalizing the materiel dimension using the 1033 Program – a U.S. military surplus transfer program – and assessing its relationship with police fatal force. Given mixed findings, the present study demonstrates the importance of data considerations while examining this relationship and any assessment of militarization or fatal force. Methods The present study uses the 1033 Program data and the crowdsourced Fatal Encounters database to conduct multi-level mixed effects negative binomial regression models using both raw and cleaned data. Results While the cost of 1033 Program items was negatively associated with fatal force in the raw models, this relationship disappears using the cleaned data. The cleaned data models demonstrate a moderate, positive relationship between the number of 1033 Program items obtained and fatal force, though this relationship disappears when agencies are disaggregated by size. Conclusion These findings demonstrate the importance of data selection, validation, and categorization, given that previous literature examining this relationship vary in their extent of data cleaning and the data sources used. These findings also demonstrate the necessity for militarization research to examine police outcomes beyond fatal force, and to account for additional measures of militarization beyond the 1033 Program.
Nanofabrication of silicon surfaces for reduced virus adhesion

Nanofabrication is a remarkably effective technique to create desirable nanoscale patterns. In this work, the effect of surface nanofabrication on altering virus adhesion to the substrates was examined. Arrays of nanoholes, 50 nm in diameter, 22 nm deep, and 100 nm in pitch distance, were created on silicon (Si) wafers by electron-beam lithography and reactive ion etching. MS2 coliphage, which is 26 ± 2 nm in diameter and is frequently used as a surrogate for human viruses, was applied to investigate the interaction between the virions and smooth or nanostructured Si surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy along with surface wettability analyses revealed that the nanofabrication had the effect of reducing not only the number of viruses attached but also the strength of virus adhesion. These effects were ascribed to the presence of nanoholes, which were inaccessible to the virions due to the unique surface topographical parameters and the surface chemistry, resulting in the decrease of the overall solid contact area for MS2 attachment. The periodic spacing of the nanoholes also limited the unit landing area for MS2 particles, restricting the formation of MS2 aggregates and leading to the reduced amount of MS2 attachment. We anticipate that smart design of a surface’s chemical composition and nanostructure will offer a feasible solution to improve mitigations for controlling viral adhesion and transmission to and from food contact surfaces.
538. Percent Positivity of COVID-19 Testing in Children of Racial/Ethnic Minority Groups in Mississippi

Background: COVID-19 testing data in children from different backgrounds such as race/ethnicity can guide the strategies for controlling the pandemic In this study, we aimed to characterize the percent positivity of real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among children with different race/ethnicity in Mississippi, a state with historic racial health disparity Methods: We performed a retrospective study using a deidentified COVID- 19 registry abstracted from the electronic health record at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the only academic institution in the state encompassing the main university hospitals and ambulatory sites statewide Children aged 18 years or younger who underwent RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 between 11 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 were included in the study The primary outcome of interest was positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test, and the primary exposure of interest was race/ethnicity Multivariable analysis was performed by developing a logistic regression model Results: Of 1838 children who underwent SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing, 162 tested positive, corresponding to percent positivity of 8 8% Non-Hispanic white children had percent positivity of 2 4%, which was substantially lower than that of non-white children (9 7%, 28 6%, and 11 5% for non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and other race/ethnicity children, respectively) (Table) Older children (particularly those aged 10-18 years) also had higher percent positivity (Table, Figure) The risks associated with non-white race/ethnicity remained substantial after adjusting for insurance status, which was used as a surrogate for socioeconomic status (Figure) Conclusion: We found a striking difference in percent positivity by race/ethnicity among children, suggesting inadequate allocation of testing resources to this population Higher percent positivity among school age children may also have particular public health implications, considering their school attendance We argue that minority children should not be left behind in data analysis, research, targeted testing and transmission reduction measures (Table Presented)
Modernisation, demographic change and state-level variations in household composition in India

This study examines whether modernisation and demographic change explain subnational household variations in India using state-level data from six rounds of the National Sample Survey harmonised by...
Telerehabilitation Using Fitness Application in Patients with Severe Cystic Fibrosis Awaiting Lung Transplant: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to pilot a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program administered via a telemedicine approach using a combination of fitness application and self-selected activity in lung transplant candidates with cystic fibrosis (CF) Methods: We recruited adult patients with CF The main outcome was adherence, measured by number of sessions completed in 12 weeks Secondary outcomes were adverse events, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), and dyspnea Participants were provided a personalized exercise program and equipment including a fitness application that provided exercise videos, recorded exercise time, and corresponding heart rate We reviewed data daily and provided text messages with feedback We compared our study outcomes to a retrospective data set of CF patients who participated in a 24-session outpatient hospital-based PR program Data presented as mean +/- standard deviation Results: Eleven patients participated in the home PR program, 45% female, age 33 +/- 7 years, FEV1 27 +/- 5% predicted Sessions completed were 19 +/- 12 home-based PR vs 9 +/- 4 hospital-based PR, p = 03 Fifty percent of the home-based group completed >=24 sessions in 12 weeks versus 0% of the hospital-based patients (p = 03) There were no adverse events during exercise Completers of the home-based program demonstrated a clinically meaningful lower decline in 6 MWD than noncompleters (6MWD -7 +/- 15 vs -86 +/- 108 meters) Only one participant performed a post 6 MWD in the hospital-based PR Conclusion: Patients with severe CF demonstrated adherence to home PR delivered using fitness application and self-selected activity with no adverse events This program style may be a viable solution for telerehabilitation in severe CF and is particularly relevant in the COVID era
Three-dimensional measures of posterior bone loss and retroversion in Walch B2 glenoids predict the need for an augmented anatomic glenoid component.

Hypothesis The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the amount of measured posterior bone loss on 2- and 3-dimensional (2D and 3D) imaging of Walch B2 glenoids can reliably predict the plan for an augmented anatomic glenoid component. Methods Patients with Walch B2 glenoids and preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were retrospectively identified. 2D axial CT scans were reviewed and posterior bone loss was measured by 3 independent reviewers. Images were then formatted into BluePrint (Wright Medical) preoperative planning software. The same 3 reviewers again measured posterior bone loss on 3D imaging. Additionally, all cases were planned with BluePrint software. An augment was used when the following criteria were unable to be satisfied with standard implants: Results Forty-two patients were included in the final analysis with a mean age of 63.1 ± 6.3 years. As measured by BluePrint, the mean retroversion was 23° ± 7° (range = 9°-40°), the mean superior inclination was 5° ± 6° (range = –9° to 22°), and the mean posterior subluxation was 80% ± 17% (range = 41%-95%). The mean 2D bone loss measurements (3.5 ± 1.6 mm) were significantly lower than the mean 3D bone loss (4.0 ± 1.8 mm) measurements (P = .03). There was substantial agreement between reviewers on both 2D and 3D measurements with an interclass correlation of 0.815 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.714-0.889, P Conclusion Planning for a posterior augment in Walch B2 glenoids is better predicted with 3D imaging than with 2D imaging, as 2D imaging may underestimate posterior bone loss. Additionally, use of a larger augment size is moderately correlated with posterior bone loss on 3D imaging but not 2D imaging. Standard 2D imaging may be limited in cases of posterior bone loss, and 3D imaging may be beneficial for preoperative planning in Walch B2 glenoids.
Design of a triceps orthosis for C5/C6 quadriplegics

Persons with spinal cord injury at the C5/C6 cervical level typically have relatively well preserved biceps function, but minimal or no voluntary control of triceps. Our previous work has showed that this results in deficiencies in speed and accuracy of elbow movements. Our goal is to build a simple mechanical orthosis, worn at the elbow, to correct these deficiencies. In this study, we have further defined the mechanical components of the orthosis by using a mathematical model and experiments with C5/C6 quadriplegics in which mechanical springs and damping elements were electronically emulated.
College and Career Readiness: A Literature Synthesis:

A continuing priority in education has focused on preparing students for postacademic success. The adoption of the Common Core State Standards Initiative prompted educational leaders to focus on pr...
Understanding DNA Ancestry

DNA ancestry companies generate revenues in the region of $1bn a year, and the company 23andMe is said to have sold 10 million DNA ancestry kits to date. Although evidently popular, the science behind how DNA ancestry tests work is mystifying and difficult for the general public to interpret and understand. In this accessible and engaging book, Sheldon Krimsky, a leading researcher, investigates the methods that different companies use for DNA ancestry testing. He also discusses what the tests are used for, from their application in criminal investigations to discovering missing relatives. With a lack of transparency from companies in sharing their data, absent validation of methods by independent scientists, and currently no agreed-upon standards of accuracy, this book also examines the ethical issues behind genetic genealogy testing, including concerns surrounding data privacy and security. It demystifies the art and science of DNA ancestry testing for the general reader.
System Optimization of High-efficiency 400 Gb/s PAM4 Silicon Photonics Transmitter for Data Center Applications

We demonstrate a high-efficiency PAM4 silicon photonics transmitter optimized through end-to-end system modeling for applications up to 10km on four-channel CWDM4 grid. Our measurements show a close agreement with simulations meeting 400G-FR4 requirements with 1.7Vppd.
Intermediate energy nuclear physics at the MIT-Bates linear accelerator center

The MIT-Bates linear accelerator center is a University-based laboratory carrying out frontier research in electromagnetic nuclear physics. The research program is focussed on the flavor structure, charge distribution, shape, size and polarizability of the nucleon; the spin and electromagnetic structure of light nuclei; and the origin of the elements. The Bates research program has three central thrusts: the SAMPLE experiments to probe the flavor structure of the proton using parity-violating electron scattering at back angles; the OOPS (out-of-plane spectrometer system) program which uses out-of-plane detection to probe nucleon and few-body nuclear structure; and the BLAST (Bates large acceptance spectrometer toroid) program which will use a new spectrometer under construction to measure electron scattering from internal gas targets in the south hall ring.
A Progressive, Collaborative Process to Improve a Curriculum and Define an Assessment Program.

Objective. To revise the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy’s professional program outcomes and create an assessment map using results from previous peer review and mapping of all professional courses and curricular streams of knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs). Design. After consolidating 15 original program outcomes into 11 more precise outcome statements, defining KSAs for each, and getting faculty approval of them, the committee detailed measurable program expectations upon graduation for each outcome and created an assessment map identifying where KSAs were taught, how they were to be assessed, and the expected ability level (novice, competent, proficient) for each across the curriculum. Assessment. The committee’s work identified deficits, inconsistencies, and disproportionalities in professional program assessment. It recommended assessments to capture student achievement of each outcome, identified performance levels and criteria to measure outcomes progressively in each professional year, and outlined a process to provide students periodic reports on their progress in achieving each outcome. Conclusion. This work establishes a firm foundation for ongoing efforts to measure effectiveness of the professional program, especially in light of Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education’s (ACPE) revised accreditation standards.
Chondrocyte innate immune myeloid differentiation factor 88–dependent signaling drives procatabolic effects of the endogenous toll-like receptor 2/toll-like receptor 4 ligands low molecular weight hyaluronan and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 in mice

Objective Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2)/TLR-4–mediated innate immunity serves as a frontline antimicrobial host defense, but also modulates tissue remodeling and repair responses to endogenous ligands released during low-grade inflammation. We undertook the present study to assess whether the endogenous TLR-2/TLR-4 ligands low molecular weight hyaluronan (LMW-HA) and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB-1), which are increased in osteoarthritic (OA) joints, drive procatabolic chondrocyte responses dependent on TLR-2 and TLR-4 signaling through the cytosolic adaptor myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). Methods We studied mature femoral head cap cartilage explants and immature primary knee articular chondrocytes from TLR-2/TLR-4–double-knockout, MyD88-knockout, and congenic wild-type mice. Generation of nitric oxide (NO), degradation of hyaluronan, release of HMGB-1, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), and MMP-13, and protein expression of type X collagen were assessed by Griess reaction and Western blotting analyses. Expression of messenger RNA for type II and type X collagen, MMP-13, and RUNX-2 was examined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results Interleukin-1β and TLR-2 and TLR-4 ligands induced both HMGB-1 release from chondrocytes and extracellular LMW-HA generation in normal chondrocytes. TLR-2/TLR-4−/− and MyD88−/− mouse cartilage explants and chondrocytes lost the capacity to mount procatabolic responses to both LMW-HA and HMGB-1, demonstrated by >95% suppression of NO production (P < 0.01), and attenuated induction of MMP-3 and MMP-13. Combined deficiency of TLR-2/TLR-4, or of MyD88 alone, also attenuated release of NO and blunted induction of MMP-3 and MMP-13 release. MyD88 was necessary for HMGB-1 and hyaluronidase 2 (which generates LMW-HA) to induce chondrocyte hypertrophy, which is implicated in OA progression. Conclusion MyD88-dependent TLR-2/TLR-4 signaling is essential for procatabolic responses to LMW-HA and HMGB-1, and MyD88 drives chondrocyte hypertrophy. Therefore, LMW-HA and HMGB-1 act as innate immune cytokine-like signals with the potential to modulate chondrocyte differentiation and function in OA progression.
On the Role of Structure in Vision

Abstract People are able to perceive structure in images, apart from the perception of tri-dimensionality, and apart from the recognition of familiar objects. We impose organization on data (noticing flow fields, regularity, repetition, etc.) even when we have no idea what it is we are organizing. What is remarkable is the degree to which such naively perceived structure survives more or less intact once a semantic context is established: the naive observer often sees essentially the same things an expert does, the difference between naive and informed perception often amounting to little more than labeling the perceptual primitives. It is almost as if the visual system has some basis for guessing what is important without knowing why. Our objective in this paper is to understand the role of primitive structure in visual perception. What does this level of organization mean? What, if anything, is it good for? If it is useful, how do we get it and, once gotten, use it? We will argue that perceptual organization is a primitive level of inference, the basis for which lies in the relation between structural and causal unity: the appearance of spatiotemporal coherence or regularity is so unlikely to arise by the chance interaction of independent entities that such regular structure, when observed, almost certainly denotes some underlying unified cause or process. This view will be shown to have broad implications for computational theories of vision, providing a unifying framework for many current techniques of early and intermediate vision, and enabling a style of interpretation more in keeping with the qualitative and holistic character of human vision.
Requirements of the Cornell Theory Center for Resource Management and Process Scheduling

The Cornell Theory Center serves a large and heterogeneous community of users. We have recently installed an IBM POWERParallel™ SP2™ that is similarly large and functionally heterogeneous. We expect that as machine utilization increases, stresses will occur in our scheduling environment that will tax our ability to maintain an efficient mapping between processes and processors. The system and workload of the Theory Center will be outlined. We also discuss our current scheduling system and our future requirements for a robust and efficient resource management/process scheduling system.
Glycosidases of Phaseolus vulgaris. II. Isolation and general properties.

Abstract The enzymes, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, α-mannosidase, β-glucosidase, and β-acetylglucosaminidase, have been purified from the germinating seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris. All five enzymes have been simultaneously isolated in a highly active form. The pH optimum, Km, and energy of activation of each glycosidase for the reaction of hydrolysis of the appropriate p-nitrophenyl glycoside have been determined. The specificity of the enzymes has been studied by using synthetic and natural substrates such as melibiose, raffinose, stachyose, lactose, mannobiose, methyl α-d-mannopyranoside, cellobiose, gentiobiose, sophorose, and methyl β-d-glucopyranoside. All these enzymes appear to be highly specific for the glycopyranosyl group and the anomeric configuration of the glycosidic linkage. Their action on macromolecules, such as galactomannans from guar and locust bean gums, desialyzed fetuin and its tryptic glycopeptides, a glycopeptide from orosomucoid, and ribonuclease B, has been studied.
The meaning of general covariance of einstein's theory of gravity

The fundamental symmetry of Einstein’s theory of gravity is Lorentz-invariance which leads to a well defined energy-momentum tensor. This is also true for Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetism which has an additional symmetry due to its spin one, restmass zero character. Similarly, the spin two, restmass zero character of the gravitational field leads to an additional gauge symmetry that happens to be isomorphic to the concept of general covariance. The gauge-covariant energy-momentum tensor for gravitational interactions vanishes identically.
Marginal leakage of microfilled composite resin restorations.

I nvestigations have shown that marginal leakage is significantly reduced or eliminated in restorations where the cavosurface angle and the enamel are etched and a layer of unfilled resin is placed before and after placement of the restoration.‘-6 -Elimination or reduction of marginal leakage would decrease sensitivity, discoloration, and recurrent caries and thereby result in greater longevity of composite resin restorations.’ Recently, composite resins of different compositions have been introduced to the dental profession. They are known as microfilled composite resins and are designed to give smooth textures of the surface after finishing procedures. The microfilled composite resins have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than tooth structure and conventional composite resins. Thermal dimensional changes in composite restorations depend on the coefficient of thermal expansion of the composite resins and the size of the restoration. Apparently, to minimize marginal leakage and to maintain marginal integrity, the thermal expansion of composite resin restorations should be similar to that of tooth structure.* This study evaluated the marginal leakage of several microfilled composite resins that have higher coefficients of thermal expansion than tooth structure or the conventional composite resins.
Glucose and insulin response to carbohydrate foods in male endurance athletes

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of three carbohydrate(CHO) foods on plasma glucose and insulin response in trained endurance athletes. Nine, male subjects consumed one of three CHO foods—applesauce(AS), graham crackers(GC) or orange juice(OJ). Test foods were prepared using a formula of 1 gram of CHO per kilogram of body weight. Two days prior to each trial, subjects controlled their dietary intake and exercise output. The composition of the test diet, as a percentage of total calories, was 45% CHO, 15% protein and 40% fat. Ten hours prior to each trial subjects refrained from consuming food and beverages with the exception of water and from engaging in exercise. On the day of the trial, the test food was consumed in six minutes(min), with an additional two min allowed for the consumption of 240ml of water. Subjects then rested quietly for the next 90minutes. Blood samples were collected immediately before the ingestion of the food and at 15,30,45,60,75 and 90min postprandial. Mean glucose concentrations were greatest for OJ at 15min and GC at 30min (113mg/dl). A similar pattern was observed for plasma insulin—47 uU/Lat 30min and 40 uU/L at 15min for GC and OJ respectively. Other than at 15min, there was no significant difference between the glucose means for the three meals. At 15min OJ elicited a significantly greater response than AS. There were no significant differences between the plasma insulin means at baseline or 15min. At 30, 45 and 60minutes, mean plasma insulin response for GC was elevated when compared to AS. Similarly, at 30min GC produced a significantly greater insulin response than OJ. The results suggest that the ingestion of OJ elevates glucose to a greater degree than AS or GC 15min postprandial and that a significant difference exists between mean plasma glucose levels of OJ and AS. At 30min, plasma insulin levels in response to GC ingestion are elevated and are significantly greater than either OJ or AS. This response continues for AS at 45 and 60min but not for OJ. These data add to the growing body of knowledge regarding endurance athletes' glycemic response to carbohydrate foods.
Fluidic-Directed Assembly of Aligned Oligopeptides with π-Conjugated Cores

A microfluidic-based directed assembly strategy is employed to form highly aligned supramolecular structures. Formation of aligned synthetic oligopeptide nanostructures is accomplished using planar extensional flow, which induces alignment of underlying material suprastructures. Fluidic-directed assembly of supramolecular structures allows for unprecedented manipulation at the nano- and mesoscales, which has the potential to provide rapid and efficient control of functional material properties.
Fragrance material review on isoborneol

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of isoborneol when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Rb and E2F-1 regulate telomerase activity in human cancer cells

The ends of human chromosomes (telomeres) lose up to 200 bp of DNA per cell division. Chromosomal shortening ultimately leads to senescence and death in normal cells. Many human carcinoma lines are immortal in vitro, suggesting that these cells have a mechanism for maintaining the ends of their chromosomes. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein complex that synthesizes telomeric DNA onto chromosomes using its RNA component as a template. Recent studies have shown that inactivation of the retinoblastoma gene product pRb and the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p16(INK4A) is required for telomerase activity in epithelial cells. We have demonstrated previously that restoration of functional retinoblastoma (Rb) expression is sufficient to downregulate telomerase activity in carcinoma cells. To determine mechanisms by which Rb regulates telomerase expression, we examined the effects of cyclin dependent kinase (cdk) mediated Rb inactivation and the release of E2F-1 on telomerase activity in human carcinoma cells. Overexpression of cdk2 and cdk4 but not a dominant negative cdk2 rescued Rb mediated downregulation of telomerase activity. Overexpression of the cdk regulatory subunit cyclin D1 also rescued telomerase downregulation and p16 expression alone was sufficient to ablate activity. E2F-1 overexpression was sufficient to rescue Rb mediated reduction of telomerase activity, but an E2F-1 mutant defective in DNA and Rb binding activities failed to produce this effect. Tumor tissue from E2F-1 -/- mice was negative for telomerase activity, indicating a key regulatory role for this transcription factor.
JID VisualDx Quiz: July 2013

1 Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2013), Volume 133 © 2013 The Society for Investigative Dermatology QUESTIONS 1. What is your diagnosis? a. Rothmund–Thomson syndrome. b. Hutchinson–Gilford syndrome. c. Werner syndrome. d. Aplasia cutis congenita. e. Anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. JID VisualDx Quiz: July 2013 Andrew Styperek1 and Robert S. Kirsner1 Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2013) 133, e6; doi:10.1038/jid.2013.217
Effect of Polarization Memory in Subsurface Polarization Imaging

Previous studies have demonstrated that the circularly cross-polarized light can significantly improve subsurface imaging contrast. We have shown in this study that such improvement is strongly influenced by sample optical properties.
Requirement of protein synthesis for maturation of ribosomal RNA in Rhodopseudomonas spheroides.

Abstract 1. The role of protein synthesis in the maturation of ribosomal RNA was studied in the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas spheroides . 2. Methionine starvation and chloramphenicol both caused the accumulation of the 1.07 and 0.65 Mdalton ribosomal RNA precursors. 3. In methionine starved cultures accumulated precursor RNAs were processed upon addition of methionine. 4. The processing of these precursors upon methionine addition was inhibited in the presence of chloramphenicol. 5. It was concluded that protein synthesis is necessary for the cleavage of precursor ribosomal RNA.
Multiple sclerosis: Heterology among early T cells and TG cells

Circulating early T cells and TG cells were estimated simultaneously in 100 patients with multiple sclerosis and 21 controls. The results were analyzed from individual patients, from patients grouped according to disease activity, and from some patients studied longitudinally. Previously documented fluctuations in these two T cell populations were confirmed. By comparing the fluctuations and by examining the distribution of TG cells in suspensions of isolated early and isolated late T cells, it was found that TG cells are a T cell subpopulation distinct from early T cells.
Effect of trimethoprim/sulphomethoxazole and hyperbaric oxygen on experimental Spiroplasma mirum encephalitis

This study was undertaken to determine the susceptibility of experimentally induced Spiroplasma mirum infection in the rat to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) in combination with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). One-day-old Fisher 344 rats were intracerebrally inoculated with the GT-48 strain of S. mirum and were exposed to regimens employed combined antibiotic and HBO treatments. The exclusive use of TMP/SMX produced a significant reduction in mortality (P less than 0.0001) and an absence of clinical signs of infection. HBO in combination with TMP/SMX showed similar effect on mortality and no evident clinical disease. The addition of HBO did result in a significant decrease in spiroplasma brain titres but was no more effective in preventing the spiroplasma-induced fatal microcystic encephalopathy than when the antibiotics were used alone. The exclusive use of HBO produced a catastrophic mortality rate in the spiroplasma-infected rats, which is contrary to the effect of HBO on conventional bacterial infections.