cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathological risk factors for higher clinical stage in testicular seminomas.

AIMS Testicular seminomas require accurate staging for effective management. Twenty per cent are metastatic at presentation, while 80% are clinical stage I, requiring only orchiectomy and surveillance. Tumour size, rete testis invasion, hilar soft tissue invasion and lymphovascular invasion have been shown to incur a higher risk of metastasis and recurrence in clinical stage I seminomas, with little congruence between studies. METHODS AND RESULTS We reviewed 211 cases of testicular seminomas and recorded patient age, tumour size, lymphovascular invasion and rete testis, hilar soft tissue, epididymis, spermatic cord, tunica albuginea and tunica vaginalis involvement. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed comparing clinical stage I to advanced clinical stage patients (stages II and III) in reference to these factors. We found that tumour size (P = 0.02), vascular invasion (P = 0.02) and invasion of rete testis stroma (P = 0.01), epididymis (P = 0.02), spermatic cord (P = 0.047) and hilar soft tissue (P = 0.04) were predictors of higher clinical stage at the univariate level. However, multivariate analysis showed that only tumour size and vascular invasion remained significant (P = 0.008 and 0.032, respectively). A tumour size of 4 cm was the cut-off size found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS Tumour size and vascular invasion are the strongest predictors of higher clinical stage in testicular seminomas. Our univariate data suggest that rete testis and hilar soft tissue invasion relate to higher clinical stage. However, neither of these factors were found to be independent risk factors at multivariate analysis. Therefore, this study supports tumour upstaging based only upon size and vascular invasion.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin improves spatial memory and NMDA receptor function in aged animals.

Abstract A redox-mediated decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function contributes to psychiatric diseases and impaired cognition during aging. Inflammation provides a potential source of reactive oxygen species for inducing NMDA receptor hypofunction. The present study tested the hypothesis that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, which improves spatial episodic memory in aging rats, would enhance NMDA receptor function through a shift in the redox state. Male F344 young and aged rats were prescreened using a 1-day version of the water maze task. Animals were then treated with the indomethacin or vehicle, delivered in a frozen milk treat (orally, twice per day, 18 days), and retested on the water maze. Indomethacin treatment enhanced water maze performance. Hippocampal slices were prepared for examination of CA3-CA1 synaptic responses, long-term potentiation, and NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses. No effect of treatment was observed for the total synaptic response. Long-term potentiation magnitude and NMDA receptor input-output curves were enhanced for aged indomethacin-treated animals. To examine redox regulation of NMDA receptors, a second group of aged animals was treated with indomethacin or vehicle, and the effect of the reducing agent, dithiothreitol ([DTT], 0.5 mM) on NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic responses was evaluated. As expected, DTT increased the NMDA receptor response and the effect of DTT was reduced by indomethacin treatment. The results indicate that indomethacin acted to diminish the age-related and redox-mediated NMDA receptor hypofunction and suggest that inflammation contributes to cognitive impairment through an increase in redox stress.
The Nuclear Electron Hypothesis

James Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron in 1932 is justifiably viewed as a watershed in the history of nuclear physics.1 It opened the way to all modern neutron-proton theories of nuclear structure and (so the story goes) simultaneously expelled the electron from the nucleus where it had become, through its increasingly contrary behavior, an embarrassing guest — part of a problem not to be thought about, like the new taxes, as Peter Debye put it in 1930.2 Chadwick’s discovery reintroduced order and simplicity into nuclear theory.
Dental Caries: The Problem

In recent years there has been a growing interest in preventive aspects of dentistry. Initially it is difficult for the dental practitioner to become preventive orientated. Perhaps the main reason is that if prevention is to be effective, the dentist himself must believe that prevention works. This is probably the most difficult concept for him to accept because throughout his undergraduate and other training the reparative aspects of dentistry were stressed, and the major part of his practice time is almost certainly spent on tooth repair. In addition, the high level of dental disease to which the practitioner is continually exposed, together with the relative absence of any formal training, knowledge or experience in preventive dentistry, will tend to impress upon him that the prevention of dental disease is more of an academic rather than a practical approach to the problem.
Inheritance of Behavior and Genes “For” Behavior: Gene Wars

The debate on the heritability of behavior and genes “for” behavior is shaped by science, ideology and political movements. Intertwined is an ongoing, and valuable, debate about the nature of psychiatric disease and the validity of diagnosis. Genotype influences reaction range, but deterministic models exaggerate the influence of genes, behavior being best understood as the result of gene by environment interaction. Conversely, there has been evolutionary selection of genes “for” behavior.
Scalable structured prediction for richly structured socio-behavioral data

Online recommender systems, content-provider sites, and social media platforms provide richly structured socio-behavioral data. However, using this noisy and incomplete data to make decisions and recommendations is challenging. It often requires complex forms of structured prediction that rely on both the logical structure in the domain and probabilistic dependencies among interlinked entities. In this talk, I will describe some common inference patterns that are useful for socio-behavioral networks and introduce probabilistic soft logic (PSL). PSL is a highly scalable open-source probabilistic programming language being developed within my group that is well-suited for structured prediction over socio-behavioral data. Finally, I will review some of our recent work using PSL for hybrid recommender systems, explanation, and fair decision making.
IMFlexCom: Energy Efficient In-Memory Flexible Computing Using Dual-Mode SOT-MRAM

In this article, we propose an In-Memory Flexible Computing platform (IMFlexCom) using a novel Spin Orbit Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory (SOT-MRAM) array architecture, which could work in dual mode: memory mode and computing mode. Such intrinsic in-memory logic (AND/OR/XOR) could be used to process data within memory to greatly reduce power-hungry and long distance massive data communication in conventional Von Neumann computing systems. A comprehensive reliability analysis is performed, which confirms ∼90mV and ∼10mV (worst-case) sense margin for memory and in-memory logic operation in variations on resistance-area product and tunnel magnetoresistance. We further show that sense margin for in-memory logic computation can be significantly increased by increasing the oxide thickness. Furthermore, we employ bulk bitwise vector operation and data encryption engine as case studies to investigate the performance of our proposed design. IMFlexCom shows ∼35× energy saving and ∼18× speedup for bulk bitwise in-memory vector AND/OR operation compared to DRAM-based in-memory logic. Again, IMFlexCom can achieve 77.27% and 85.4% lower energy consumption compared to CMOS-ASIC- and CMOL-based Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) implementations, respectively. It offers almost similar energy consumption as recent DW-AES implementation with 66.7% less area overhead.
Design Precoded Space-Time-Frequency 4 × 1 and 4 × 2 OFDM Architectures in Frequency-Selective Fading Channels

This paper presents precoded space-time-frequency (STF) 4 × 1 and 4 × 2 orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems in frequency-selective fading channels. First, a regular 2 × 1 space-time (ST) block code OFDM system is presented as the baseline. Second, further developing this 2 × 1 ST OFDM, both novel 4 × 1 and 4 × 2 STF OFDM architectures and computing algorithms are developed, specifically at a code rate 3/4. Third, four orthogonal transforms, Walsh–Hadamard, Slant, Harley, and Haar, are employed as the precoder to form four different 4 × 1 and 4 × 2 precoded STF OFDM systems, respectively. All four precoded systems improve the bit error rate (BER) without expanding power or bandwidth in comparing with the regular 4 × 1 and 4 × 2 STF OFDM schemes. Simulations indicate that the precoded 4 × 2 STF OFDM system has the best BER; the 4 × 2 STF OFDM system, the precoded 4 × 1 STF OFDM system, the 4 × 1 STF OFDM system, and the 2 × 1 ST OFDM system follow in order due to the achieved diversity order in fading channels. All systems are well-matched with the current OFDM system. They may serve as basic modules in the fourth-generation (4G) and future planned 5G multiple input multiple output (MIMO) OFDM systems.
Why Some Well-Planned and Community-Based ICTD Interventions Fail

Despite being community-based and well planned, some ICTD interventions fall short of expectations. The present analysis seeks to advance the understanding of the effectiveness of the ICTD initiative by exploring some of the reasons for failure. In this article three such case studies were identiaed and issues with their outcomes analyzed. Each project enjoyed some successes, but also suffered from some anomalous outcomes. A common characteristic of the projects is that the people who executed the program were not included in the program design. The goal of this article is to advance the debate about the effectiveness of ICTD initiatives and dispute the notion that community-based interventions carried out in conjunction with local partners assure success. The main lesson is that even a nearly imperceptible deviation from the full inclusion of all relevant parties in every aspect of the project can result in large deviations from the expected outcomes.
Management of Itch in the Elderly: A Review.

Chronic itch is common in the elderly patient and may be caused by a variety of known dermatologic and non-dermatologic conditions and can have a significant effect on quality of life. Age-related changes in barrier function, immunosenescence, and neuronal changes and neuropathies are common predisposing factors to chronic itch in this age group. Certain primary dermatologic conditions are more common in the elderly and can cause chronic itch. Also, co-morbid diseases particularly of the renal, hepatobiliary, or hematologic systems, psychologic conditions, or medications may contribute to chronic itch in this population. Thus, medical workup for an elderly patient with chronic itch requires special attention to the patient’s medical history, current health status, and medications. Topical treatments and emollients may be recommended for elderly patients, with consideration of specific adverse effects and alternatives. Systemic medications pose a higher risk of adverse effects and many are contraindicated in the elderly for this reason. In addition, management in the elderly may be complicated by differential pharmacokinetics of medications, the presence of co-morbid health conditions, cognitive disorders, physical limitations, and polypharmacy. New and emerging treatment modalities hold promise for use in the elderly due to these special considerations.
The role of the androgen receptor in prostate development and benign prostatic hyperplasia: A review

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a benign enlargement of the prostate in which incidence increases linearly with age, beginning at about 50 years old. BPH is a significant source of morbidity in aging men by causing lower urinary tract symptoms and acute urinary retention. Unfortunately, the etiology of BPH incidence and progression is not clear. This review highlights the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate development and the evidence for its involvement in BPH. The AR is essential for normal prostate development, and individuals with defective AR signaling, such as after castration, do not experience prostate enlargement with age. Furthermore, decreasing dihydrotestosterone availability through therapeutic targeting with 5α-reductase inhibitors diminishes AR activity and results in reduced prostate size and symptoms in some BPH patients. While there is some evidence that AR expression is elevated in certain cellular compartments, how exactly AR is involved in BPH progression has yet to be elucidated. It is possible that AR signaling within stromal cells alters intercellular signaling and a "reawakening" of the embryonic mesenchyme, loss of epithelial AR leads to changes in paracrine signaling interactions, and/or chronic inflammation aids in stromal or epithelial proliferation evident in BPH. Unfortunately, a subset of patients fails to respond to current medical approaches, forcing surgical treatment even though age or associated co-morbidities make surgery less attractive. Fundamentally, new therapeutic approaches to treat BPH are not currently forthcoming, so a more complete molecular understanding of BPH etiology is necessary to identify new treatment options.
S109 Human metapneumovirus lower respiratory tract infection in adults: chest CT imaging features and correlation with clinical outcomes

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has increasingly been identified as an important, worldwide cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in adults. Our goals were to determine the chest CT imaging features of LRTI due to hMPV and to correlate chest CT imaging features with clinical outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and chest CT images of 100 adults collected over 33 months at 4 community hospitals in the northeast US. Chest CT images were reviewed by an experienced thoracic radiologist. Study subjects satisfied 4 criteria: 1. acute lower respiratory tract symptoms, 2. positive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of nasopharyngeal swab for hMPV, 3. chest CT within 7 days of positive RT-PCR assay for hMPV, 4. no other pulmonary infection or other pulmonary disease that might interfere with chest CT interpretation. On review, 16/100 had focal lung consolidation, 30/100 had multifocal lung consolidation, 31/100 had bronchial wall thickening, 44/100 had ground glass opacities and 62/100 had tree-in-bud opacities. Multifocal lung consolidation was associated with increased frequency (9/30, 30%) of treatment with invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support (p
Diversity in the Classroom: Supporting Student Co-Cultures and Intercultural Effectiveness in the Basic Course

The purpose of this professional development session was to introduce new instructors to theoretical constructs related to diversity in the classroom and provide activities to get them thinking about how they can better prepare themselves for managing classroom diversity. Through the exploration of cultures and co-cultures, instructors learned how there are many different layers to individuals and how they interact to form the whole self (e.g. student, instructor). Constructs such as continuous learning (e.g. self-awareness, exploration), interpersonal engagement (e.g. global mindset, relationship interest), and hardiness (e.g. open-mindedness, emotional resilience) were explored (The Intercultural Communication Institute, 2011). Inclusivity, responding to student comments, embracing diversity, sensitivity, and responsiveness to differences in perspectives were also discussed. A classroom activity that guided students through an exploration of their cultures and cocultures is presented. In addition, a series of discussion prompts for faculty reflection on potential classroom challenges is provided.
Unusually High Concentration of Alkyl Ammonium Hydroxide in the Cation-Hydroxide-Water Coadsorbed Layer on Pt.

Interactions between a catalyst and electrolyte have paramount importance for the performance of electrochemical devices. Here, we present the cation–hydroxide–water coadsorption on the Pt surface ...
The weight of judgment

Criminal judgment inevitably entails mistakes used to justify violence. Is participating in judgment consistent with following Jesus Christ? This essay argues that Christians may participate in governmental judgment, but only with the faith that God uses human judgment, inherently rebellious, for good, and with hope in the coming kingdom that will put an end to judgment altogether. This essay frames the question by critiquing two answers proffered by the western Christian tradition, the “two-kingdoms” theory and the view that Christians must remain completely separate from secular government. It then argues that governmental judgment is best understood as an accommodation God makes to human frailty, to correct wrongdoing, in light of humanity’s rebellion against God. It is a stop-gap for a season while humanity rejects God’s rule, not an eternal aspect of human society with God. Christians may therefore participate in governmental judgment with eyes wide open to its failures and with a commitment to approximate truthfulness, exercise mercy, and suffer its imperfection in hope.
The Y Chromosome as a Battleground for Intragenomic Conflict

Y chromosomes are typically viewed as genetic wastelands with few intact genes. Recent genomic analyses in Drosophila, however, show that gene gain is prominent on young Y chromosomes. Meiosis- and RNAi-related genes often coamplify on recently formed X and Y chromosomes, are testis-expressed, and produce antisense transcripts and short RNAs. RNAi pathways are also involved in suppressing sex ratio drive in Drosophila. These observations paint a dynamic picture of sex chromosome differentiation, suggesting that rapidly evolving genomic battles over segregation are rampant on young sex chromosomes and utilize RNAi to defend the genome against selfish elements that manipulate fair meiosis. Recurrent sex chromosome drive can have profound ecological, evolutionary, and cellular impacts and account for unique features of sex chromosomes.
Co-Optimizing Performance And Fairness Using Weighted Pf Scheduling And Iab-Aware Flow Control

In 5G networks, wide-band mmWave can be used to provide extreme data rates to user equipments (UEs). However, since mmWave is coverage limited, it necessitates dense placement of base stations, which in turn can significantly increase the fiber deployment cost. One solution being considered is to replace fibers with Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) network, where a part of the wireless spectrum is used for connecting base stations. In an asymmetric IAB network, standard proportional fair scheduling algorithm (PF) fails to distribute resources among UEs fairly. We propose a new weighted proportional fair (WPF) scheduling algorithm to improve the fairness of UE’s achieved throughput in an IAB network. Also to mitigate congestion in IAB nodes and improve system throughput, we propose an IABaware end-to-end flow control (I-EEFC) algorithm. Through detailed analyses for both symmetric and asymmetric network topologies, we show that our proposed combined scheduling and flow control algorithm (WPF+I-EEFC) improves both fairness and system throughput.
Diversity and Inclusion in Surgery: The Role of Implicit Bias on Patient Care

Implicit bias is a fundamental contributor to widespread healthcare inequalities. This review aims to shed light on known healthcare disparities in the surgical field, to discuss the role of implicit bias in both patient care and the development of a diverse surgical workforce, and to generate discussion on how surgeons can mitigate implicit biases in order to improve patient outcomes and the future of academic surgery. National reports consistently demonstrate that patients in minority groups have worse care as judged by multiple quality measures when compared to non-minority peers. Provider bias is significantly associated with differences in treatment decisions, treatment adherence, and patient health outcomes. Overall, healthcare providers demonstrate more negative implicit biases toward Black/African American, Hispanic, and Native American patients compared with white patients. Controlled experiments reveal that treatment recommendations for minority patients differ significantly from those made for non-minority patients presenting with the same symptoms, and that providers implicitly associate minority patients with poor compliance and poor cooperation. Providers who belong to the same minority group as their patients are reported to have improved patient satisfaction and better quality of care by several measures. Although embracing efforts to enhance diversity in the workforce, the surgical field is still dominated by white males. The training, hiring, and promotions processes all suffer from the negative consequences of implicit bias. A more diverse surgical workforce would allow for improvements in patient care by decreasing the impact of implicit bias on patient interactions. Recognizing and proactively addressing provider-derived biases presents an opportunity to lessen the well-documented disparities in surgical care and to broadly improve outcomes. Building a more diverse surgical workforce will strengthen this effort, ultimately contributing to the advancement of surgical care for all patients.
Depression, Anxiety, and Acute Stress Disorder among Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background The epidemiology of psychiatric symptoms among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 is poorly characterized. Objective This article sought to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and acute stress disorder among hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Methods Adult patients recently admitted to nonintensive care unit medical ward settings with coronavirus disease 2019 were eligible for enrollment. Enrolled patients were screened for depression, anxiety, and delirium. Subsequently, patients were followed up by phone after 2 weeks and rescreened for depression, anxiety, and acute stress disorder symptoms. Subjects' medical records were abstracted for clinical data. Results A total of 58 subjects were enrolled; of whom, 44 completed the study. Initially, 36% of subjects had elevated anxiety symptoms and 29% had elevated depression symptoms. At 2-week follow-up, 9% had elevated anxiety symptoms, 20% had elevated depression symptoms, and 25% had mild-to-moderate acute stress disorder symptoms. Discharge to home was not associated with improvement in psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions A significant number of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety. While anxiety improved after index admission, depression remained fairly stable. Furthermore, a significant minority of patients experienced acute stress disorder symptoms, though these were largely mild to moderate.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection for Colonic Mucosal Neoplasia and Evaluation of Long-Term Recurrence: A Single-Center Experience of 500 Cases.

Objectives Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is an alternative to surgery for the treatment of large laterally spreading lesions. Residual or recurrent adenoma is a major limitation. This study aimed to quantify early and late recurrences and to assess its associated risk factors. Methods The study was a single-center, multiendoscopist, longitudinal study conducted between January 1, 2013 and April 26, 2017. A total of 480 patients with 500 polyps who underwent an endoscopic resection were included. Surveillance colonoscopy (SC) was performed at 4 to 6 months (SC1) and 16 to 18 months (SC2). Results At SC1, early recurrence was noted in 77 of 354 (21.8%) lesions; 76 (98.7%) were treated endoscopically. The remaining 277 of 354 (78.2%) lesions had no recurrence at SC1; only 41 lesions (15%) were followed up at SC2. Recurrence at SC2 was found in 4 lesions (9.8%), all of which were treated endoscopically. Lesion size >40 mm was associated with recurrence. Recurrence at both SC1 and SC2 was successfully treated endoscopically in 78 of 81 lesions (96.3%). Conclusions EMR is an effective, minimally invasive technique for the treatment of large laterally spreading lesions. Although recurrence is a concern, its risk is low (21.8% on SC1 and 9.8% on SC2) and was managed endoscopically in 96.3% cases on follow-up endoscopy.
Critical Review of Analytical Techniques for the Determination of Soluble Pollutant Heavy Metals in Seawater

The three most popular procedures for determining soluble trace heavy metal pollutants in seawater are: atomic absorption spectroscopy, thermal neutron activation analysis, and anodic stripping voltammetry. The applicability of these techniques are reviewed in terms of the respective detection limit capabilities, analytical difficulties imposed by the major ion matrix, chemical speciations, and pre-analysis preparation requirements.
The temporal development of hollow cathode discharges

A linear discharge system with a plane anode and a hollow cathode was used to study discharges in He at pressures between 100 mtorr and several torr. A 10- mu s voltage pulse of variable amplitude was applied to the electrodes, and the discharge voltage and current were measured. Two distinct discharge modes were observed, a high-current (>100 A) mode and a low current ( >
Driving toward a goal and the goal-gradient hypothesis: the impact of goal proximity on compliance rate, donation size, and fatigue

Driving toward a goal (DTAG) is a compliance technique derived from observed persuasion practice (e.g., telethons) wherein the persuader utilizes a goal pitch (e.g., “Help us raise $500”) and progress toward a goal (e.g., a tote board) to encourage compliance. It was postulated that DTAG would be more effective than legitimizing a paltry contribution (LPC) at increasing compliance rate, size, and stability. In Study 1, a fundraising field experiment (N = 840 donations) found that LPC garnered significantly more donations and DTAG garnered significantly larger donations. In Study 2, a lab experiment (N = 992 participants) found that LPC garnered more donations at Time 1, DTAG garnered more donations over time (eventually matching LPC), and LPC yielded smaller donations over time.
Towards an Online Service for Learning Computational Thinking Using Scientific Workflows

Computational thinking has recently been widely recognized as a fundamental skill that should be cultivated for everyone and in every field. Although there is an increasing interest in research in teaching and learning computational thinking in recent years, an engaging, effective online learning system is yet to be built for teaching, learning, and applying computational thinking online. To this end, we have developed DATAVIEW, an online social learning system for learning computational thinking concepts and skills online. The main contributions of this paper are: 1) we developed a new, effective online learning model for computational thinking based on our previous widely-applied R2D2 model. A signature characteristic of this new model is being interactive and learner-centered, thus "i" is carried out through the entire learning experiences, which provides teaching facilities to instructors and interactional tools among instructors and learners, 2) we implemented, validated, and refined iR2D2 in our DATAVIEW computational thinking online service, 3) We propose to use the DBR (design-based-research) approach to study the relationship between technology and teaching in the context of computational thinking, generating research results and findings applicable to online teaching in other domains as well.
Tiotropium: an inhaled anticholinergic for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Purpose. The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, dosage and administration, and formulary considerations of tiotropium are discussed. Summary. Tiotropium, a long-acting inhaled anticholinergic, recently received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with COPD, increased parasympathetic nervous system activity leads to bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion. Tiotropium induces relaxation of the airway smooth muscle, as does ipratropium, but differs in receptor association and dissociation rates, allowing for once-daily administration. After inhalation, tiotropium reaches maximal plasma concentrations within five minutes, but clinical improvements in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) are maintained over 24 hours. Clinical trials of tiotropium with placebo, ipratropium, and salmeterol have demonstrated the efficacy of tiotropium in improving FEV1 and forced vital capacity values and health-related quality of life. The most commonly observed adverse effect is dry mouth. No increase in adverse effects was observed when tiotropium was administered concomitantly with other drugs for COPD, including sympathomimetic bronchodilators and oral and inhaled corticosteroids. The combination of tiotropium and other anticholinergics has not been studied and is not recommended. The recommended dosage of tiotropium is the inhalation of an 18-μg capsule with a HandiHaler breath-actuated inhalation device once daily. Conclusion. Tiotropium appears to be at least as effective as currently available alternatives in the treatment of patients with COPD who require daily bronchodilator treatment. Its simplified dosing and tolerable adverse-effect profile can potentially lead to enhanced patient compliance.
Monitoring High Performance Computing Systems for the End User

Monitoring High Performance Computing clusters is currently geared towards providing system administrators the information they need to make informed decisions on the resources used in the cluster. However, this emphasis leaves out the End User, those who utilize the cluster resources towards projects and programs, as they are not given the information of how their workflow is impacting the cluster. By providing a subset of monitoring data in a format End Users can easily interpret and utilize, they can help make better use of the computing resources provided to them.
Temperature, not LuxS, mediates AI-2 formation in hydrothermal habitats.

Quorum sensing provides the basis for coordinating community-wide, microbial behaviors in many mesophilic bacteria. However, little attention has been directed toward the possibility that such phenomena occur in extremely thermal microbial environments. Despite the absence of luxS in hyperthermophile genomes, autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a boronated furanone and proposed ‘universal’ interspecies mesophilic bacterial communication signal, could be formed by Thermotoga maritima and Pyrococcus furiosus through a combination of biotic and abiotic reaction steps. AI-2 did not, however, induce any detectable quorum-sensing phenotypes in these organisms, although transcriptome-based evidence of an AI-2-induced stress response was observed in T. maritima. The significance, if any, of AI-2 in hydrothermal habitats is not yet clear. Nevertheless, these results show the importance of considering environmental factors, in this case high temperatures, as abiotic causative agents of biochemical and microbiological phenomena.
Global migration meets TV format adaptation: The post-Soviet diaspora, ‘Whiteness’, and return migration in Dancing with the Stars (US) and Ukraine’s The Bachelor:

This article examines representations of the post-Soviet diaspora on US Dancing with the Stars and Ukraine’s version of the US Bachelor to show how their use of diasporic performers conflicts with narratives of national cohesion that are essential to the adaptation of reality TV formats to new markets. The first season of Холостяк starred an emigrant from Odessa who is also a regular on the US version of the British franchise Dancing with the Stars. Cast because his diasporic identity and expertise helped facilitate the adaptation of the two TV franchises, his transnationalism came into conflict with narratives of nationalism that are key to formatting. In an effort to appeal to assumed local audience preferences for conservative versions of national identification, the two shows reduced his post-Soviet identity to that of a ‘Ukrainian’ return migrant or a ‘white’ US immigrant, which also obscured the failures of each national project with regard to migration.
In situ regeneration of the thermal stabilizer benzyl alcohol via ethanol in simulated jet fuels above 400°C

Abstract Ethanol/benzyl alcohol mixtures are effective thermal stabilizers for jet fuels above 400°C. Ethanol, which itself is only a marginal thermal stabilizer, primarily serves to regenerate benzyl alcohol in situ by reducing benzaldehyde, the reaction product formed by the reaction of benzyl alcohol with the hydrocarbon radicals produced at these temperatures. Accordingly, in the presence of ethanol, less benzyl alcohol is necessary to thermally stabilize hydrocarbon fuels under the same conditions of time and temperature.
Asynchronous multilevel adaptive methods for solving partial differential equations on multiprocessors: Basic ideas

Abstract Several mesh refinement methods exists for solving partial differential equations that make efficient use of local grids on scalar computers. On distributed memory multiprocessors, such methods benefit from their tendency to create multiple refinement regions, yet they suffer from the sequential way that the levels of refinement are treated. The asynchronous fast adaptive composite grid method (AFAC) is developed here as a method that can process refinement levels in parallel while maintaining full multilevel convergence speeds. In the present paper, we develop a simple two-level AFAC theory and provide estimates of its asymptotic convergence factors as it applies to very large scale examples. In a companion paper, we report on extensive timing results for AFAC, implemented on an Intel iPSC hypercube.
HYPERPROLACTINEMIA IN CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hyperprolactinemia occasionally can be found in children with primary hypothyroidism, most likely due to TRH stimulation of pituitary lactotrophs. We measured TSH and prolactin levels in 33 blood samples from 8 primary hypo, 2 hyper, and 9 euthyroid full term infants up to 9 months of age. There was a significant correlation between serum TSH and prolactin levels: prolactin (ng/ml) = 31.1 + 0.7 TSH (μU/ml) [r =0.84]. Furthermore, prior to therapy, the hypothyroid babies, all less than 5 weeks of age, had marked elevations (p <.005) in serum prolactin levels compared to age-matched controls. Results are expressed as mean ± S.E.M.
Flow–induced chain scission in dilute polymer solutions: Algorithm development and results for scission dynamics in elongational flow

Based on covalent bond scission force estimates from single molecule experiments and a statistical analysis of the instantaneous segmental tension (ST) distribution in bead-rod chains, a new algorithm has been developed for the simulation of flow-induced polymer chain scission. This algorithm overcomes the nonphysical time-step dependence inherent in stochastic chain scission simulations that employ instantaneous ST-based criteria to identify scission events. This is accomplished by the use of a normalized ST profile that is independent of the elongation rate E for asymptotically large values of the Weissenberg number, defined as the ratio of the longest relaxation time of the chain to 1∕E. The algorithm is employed to study chain scission in steady and transient elongational flows as well as the effect of hydrodynamic interactions on chain scission in steady elongational flow. Simulation results for steady elongational flow reproduce the experimentally observed scaling law for the critical elongation rat...
Structure of the RNA binding domain of a DEAD-box helicase bound to its ribosomal RNA target reveals a novel mode of recognition by an RNA recognition motif

Abstract DEAD-box RNA helicases of the bacterial DbpA subfamily are localized to their biological substrate when a carboxy-terminal RNA recognition motif domain binds tightly and specifically to a segment of 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) that includes hairpin 92 of the peptidyl transferase center. A complex between a fragment of 23S rRNA and the RNA binding domain (RBD) of the Bacillus subtilis DbpA protein YxiN was crystallized and its structure was determined to 2.9 A resolution, revealing an RNA recognition mode that differs from those observed with other RNA recognition motifs. The RBD is bound between two RNA strands at a three-way junction. Multiple phosphates of the RNA backbone interact with an electropositive band generated by lysines of the RBD. Nucleotides of the single-stranded loop of hairpin 92 interact with the RBD, including the guanosine base of G2553, which forms three hydrogen bonds with the peptide backbone. A G2553U mutation reduces the RNA binding affinity by 2 orders of magnitude, confirming that G2553 is a sequence specificity determinant in RNA binding. Binding of the RBD to 23S rRNA in the late stages of ribosome subunit maturation would position the ATP-binding duplex destabilization fragment of the protein for interaction with rRNA in the peptidyl transferase cleft of the subunit, allowing it to “melt out” unstable secondary structures and allow proper folding.
The shedding of group A rotavirus antigen in a newly established closed specific pathogen-free swine herd.

Abstract A longutudinal study was undertaken in a newly established specific pathogen-free (SPF) swine herd to determine the dynamics of rotavirus antigen shedding in a closed swine facility. Pregnant SPF gilts which populated the herd, and their offspring, were monitored weekly for three consecutive lactations. Fecal samples were assayed for the presence of group-specific viral antigen by a solid phase immunoassay (ELISA). Results indicate that in the week prior to farrow, 35% of samples from gilts/sows contained rotavirus antigen. During nursing, 37% of the gilts'/sows' fecal samples also contained virus antigen. Over the course of three farrowing, every gilt/sow in the herd excreted virus antigen. Virus antigen was present in 25% of the samples tested from nursing pigs and in 70% of the samples tested from pigs in the postnursing period; 95% of the litters excreted virus antigen while nursing or postweaning. Seasonal incidence in virus antigen excretion was noted with proportionally more sucking pigs virus antigen-positive in summer and proportionally more sows/gilts positive during winter. Diarrhea occurred only rarely in the sampled population. Although piglets shed rotavirus subclinically, ELISA positive feces from piglets of each lactation caused severe disease when fed to neonatal gnotobiotic pigs. Electropherotyping of these passaged viruses indicated minor variation in RNA banding patterns over time.
Effects of monovalent anions on a temperature-dependent heat capacity change for Escherichia coli SSB tetramer binding to single-stranded DNA.

We have previously shown that the linkage of temperature-dependent protonation and DNA base unstacking equilibria contribute significantly to both the negative enthalpy change (DeltaH(obs)) and the negative heat capacity change (DeltaC(p,obs)) for Escherichia coli SSB homotetramer binding to single-stranded (ss) DNA. Using isothermal titration calorimetry we have now examined DeltaH(obs) over a much wider temperature range (5-60 degrees C) and as a function of monovalent salt concentration and type for SSB binding to (dT)(70) under solution conditions that favor the fully wrapped (SSB)(65) complex (monovalent salt concentration >or=0.20 M). Over this wider temperature range we observe a strongly temperature-dependent DeltaC(p,obs). The DeltaH(obs) decreases as temperature increases from 5 to 35 degrees C (DeltaC(p,obs) 0). Both salt concentration and anion type have large effects on DeltaH(obs) and DeltaC(p,obs). These observations can be explained by a model in which SSB protein can undergo a temperature- and salt-dependent conformational transition (below 35 degrees C), the midpoint of which shifts to higher temperature (above 35 degrees C) for SSB bound to ssDNA. Anions bind weakly to free SSB, with the preference Br(-) > Cl(-) > F(-), and these anions are then released upon binding ssDNA, affecting both DeltaH(obs) and DeltaC(p,obs). We conclude that the experimentally measured values of DeltaC(p,obs) for SSB binding to ssDNA cannot be explained solely on the basis of changes in accessible surface area (ASA) upon complex formation but rather result from a series of temperature-dependent equilibria (ion binding, protonation, and protein conformational changes) that are coupled to the SSB-ssDNA binding equilibrium. This is also likely true for many other protein-nucleic acid interactions.
Mathematical learning theory through time

Abstract Stimulus sampling theory (SST: Estes, 1950 , Estes, 1955a , Estes, 1955b , Estes, 1959 ) was the first rigorous mathematical model of learning that posited a central role for an abstract cognitive representation distinct from the stimulus or the response. SST posited that (a) conditioning takes place not on the nominal stimulus presented to the learner, but on a cognitive representation caused by the nominal stimulus, and (b) the cognitive representation caused by a nominal stimulus changes gradually across presentations of that stimulus. Retrieved temporal context models assume that (a) a distributed representation of temporal context changes gradually over time in response to the studied stimuli, and (b) repeating a stimulus can recover a prior state of temporal context. We trace the evolution of these ideas from the early work on SST, and argue that recent neuroscientific evidence provides a physical basis for the abstract models that Estes envisioned more than a half-century ago.
High rate test of a straw drift chamber

Abstract The response of a straw drift chamber subjected to extremely high rates is reported. An average background rate of up to 10 MHz was obtained using ten 10 mCi Sr 90 radioactive sources. We have studied the efficiency, resolution, pulse shape and the response of the front end electronics as a function of the rate. Using Monte Carlo generated data, the effect of pulse shadowing and electronic performance is studied separately.
Surviving Manifestationsof Selfhood in Alzheimer’s Disease A case study

A Social Construction Theory analysis of selfhood is applied to the natural conversational discourse of a person moderately to severely afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. Revealed in this discourse is an intact Self 1, the self of personal identity, and an intact Self 2, comprised of mental and physical attributes and related beliefs. New Self 2 attributes include deficits connected to the neuropathology of the disease. The multiple Self 3 social personae, which require the cooperation of healthy others, are found to exist but this aspect of self is vulnerable to the extent to which the attention of others is focused on new dysfunctional Self 2 attributes. If others focus on dysfunctional Self 2 attributes, the afflicted person’s social persona is restricted to ‘the patient’. If attention is focused on remaining healthy Self 2 attributes, it is possible for the afflicted person to construct worthy Self 3 personae in which he or she can take pride and enjoy a measure of satisfaction.
Familism among the black and Mexican-American elderly: Myth or reality?

Familism proposes that the black and Mexican-American elderly enjoy special advantages through the economic and social support of extended families. Review of the literature raises serious reservations about this hypothesis, especially for the black aged. Analysis of census data on households indicates that older women of Spanish origin may benefit from familistic practices, but that black women are distinctive for extending their own households to children and grandchildren, bearing child-care and housekeeping responsibilities into old age. Rather than being products of historical minority cultures, unusual family and household patterns are probably consequences of economic dislocation, migration, and urbanization and thus reflect socioeconomic need in minority populations. Familistic theory may obscure the recognition of such need.
Neutrophils in acute kidney injury: not neutral any more

Awad and colleagues elucidate the spatiotemporal profile of neutrophil infiltration in the kidney following ischemia–reperfusion injury. Using elegant in vivo labeling techniques, they demonstrate increased neutrophil content in the kidney following ischemia–reperfusion, which is largely due to transmigration from the circulation into the interstitial compartment. The authors also provide mechanistic insights into this phenomenon and show that adenosine 2A receptor agonists reduce interstitial neutrophil infiltration and improve renal function.
Active Control of Combustion Instabilities with Distributed Actuators

Abstract A theoretical analysis of the active control of combustion instabilities with spatially distributed actuators is presented in this paper. The model simulates unsteady motions in a combustion chamber, with feedback control produced by the injection of secondary fuel into the chamber. The mass flow rate of the injected fuel is modulated by a proportional-plus-integral (PI) controller between the sensor and the fuel injector. The formulation is based on a generalized wave equation which accomodates all influences of combustion, mean flow, and acoustic oscillation on the system behavior. Control actions arising from the distributed combustion of the fuel are modeled by an assembly of point actuators; the power output of each acuator is determined by its position, the local burning characteristics of the fuel, and the time delay with respect to the instant of fuel injection. The analysis and design of both analog and digital PI controllers are presented. The stability of the system has been examined b...
Reboxetine: a review of efficacy and tolerability.

Clinical data on the efficacy and tolerability of the novel selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor reboxetine are reviewed. Reboxetine appears to have almost no pharmacological activity other than potently blocking the reuptake of noradrenaline. Clinical studies show reboxetine to be highly effective for the treatment of major depression. Reboxetine is more effective than placebo and comparable in efficacy to tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Some studies suggest that reboxetine may have slightly better efficacy than fluoxetine and imipramine. Reboxetine is effective in severely depressed patients as well as elderly depressed persons. Reboxetine is remarkably well tolerated, having very few side effects. Reboxetine appears to cause little sexual dysfunction. The most common side effects are dry mouth and constipation. The drug does not inhibit or induce hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes and is safe in overdose. Reboxetine may prove to be as effective and better tolerated than any other antidepressant currently available.
Evaluation of temperature rise on semiconductor surfaces associated with scanning Ar+ lasers

Abstract The governing equation and boundary conditions for the heat-diffusion problem associated with Ar + -laser irradiation of semiconductors are examined. Expressions are derived which, along with a numerical procedure developed here, enable us to compute scanning-Ar + -laser-induced temperature rise efficiently. Computations are carried out to obtain surface temperature changes on GaAs substrates resulting from irradiation of the scanning Ar + laser in an experiment setup reported in the literature for laser-assisted chemical beam epitaxy. Comparisons are made between measured and computed temperature rise. Sensitivity tests are performed to assess the effects of scanning frequencies and setting of location of the substrate thermal contact on the computed temperature rise. Implications of transient temperature rise for investigations on the mechanisms responsible for Ar + -laser-induced growth modifications are discussed.