cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting Fake News With Weak Social Supervision

Limited labeled data are becoming one of the largest bottlenecks for supervised learning systems. This is especially the case for many real-world tasks, where large-scale labeled examples are either too expensive to acquire or unavailable due to privacy or data access constraints. Weak supervision has shown to be effective in mitigating the scarcity of labeled data by leveraging weak labels or injecting constraints from heuristic rules and/or extrinsic knowledge sources. Social media has little labeled data but possesses unique characteristics that make it suitable for generating weak supervision, resulting in a new type of weak supervision, i.e., weak social supervision. In this article, we illustrate how various aspects of social media can be used as weak social supervision. Specifically, we use the recent research on fake news detection as the use case, where social engagements are abundant but annotated examples are scarce, to show that weak social supervision is effective when facing the labeled data scarcity problem. This article opens the door to learning with weak social supervision for similar emerging tasks when labeled data are limited.
Evolving Trust in Robots: Specification Through Sequential and Comparative Meta-Analyses:

ObjectiveThe objectives of this meta-analysis are to explore the presently available empirical findings on the antecedents of trust in robots and use this information to expand upon a previous meta...
C^2AFE: Capacity Curve Annotation and Feature Extraction for Shared Cache Analysis

Recent years see cache partitioning techniques employ commercial way partitioning to great effect. Techniques like partitioning build analysis on miss curves. However, the various forms of partitioning run into the issue of core scaling, requiring multi-tenant partitions and analysis of how workloads behave when sharing ever shrinking resources. We observe surprising variations in performance which can be disjoint with variations in cache misses that encourage such analysis. We present Capacity Curve Annotation and Feature Extraction, methodologies for annotation, feature extraction, and analysis of sensitivity studies based on performance curves.
Differentiated nomological networks of internalizing, externalizing, and the general factor of psychopathology ('p factor') in emerging adolescence in the ABCD study.

Background Structural models of psychopathology consistently identify internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) specific factors as well as a superordinate factor that captures their shared variance, the p factor. Questions remain, however, about the meaning of these data-driven dimensions and the interpretability and distinguishability of the larger nomological networks in which they are embedded. Methods The sample consisted of 10 645 youth aged 9-10 years participating in the multisite Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. p, INT, and EXT were modeled using the parent-rated Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Patterns of associations were examined with variables drawn from diverse domains including demographics, psychopathology, temperament, family history of substance use and psychopathology, school and family environment, and cognitive ability, using instruments based on youth-, parent-, and teacher-report, and behavioral task performance. Results p exhibited a broad pattern of statistically significant associations with risk variables across all domains assessed, including temperament, neurocognition, and social adversity. The specific factors exhibited more domain-specific patterns of associations, with INT exhibiting greater fear/distress and EXT exhibiting greater impulsivity. Conclusions In this largest study of hierarchical models of psychopathology to date, we found that p, INT, and EXT exhibit well-differentiated nomological networks that are interpretable in terms of neurocognition, impulsivity, fear/distress, and social adversity. These networks were, in contrast, obscured when relying on the a priori Internalizing and Externalizing dimensions of the CBCL scales. Our findings add to the evidence for the validity of p, INT, and EXT as theoretically and empirically meaningful broad psychopathology liabilities.
Rapid genetic adaptation to recently colonized environments is driven by genes underlying life history traits

Uncovering the mechanisms underlying rapid genetic adaptation can provide insight into adaptive evolution and shed light on conservation, invasive species control, and natural resource management. However, it can be difficult to experimentally explore rapid adaptation due to the challenges associated with propagating and maintaining species in captive environments for long periods of time. By contrast, many introduced species have experienced strong selection when colonizing environments that differ substantially from their native range and thus provide a “natural experiment” for studying rapid genetic adaptation. One such example occurred when sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), native to the northern Atlantic, naturally migrated into Lake Champlain and expanded their range into the Great Lakes via man-made shipping canals. Utilizing 368,886 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we calculated genome-wide levels of genetic diversity (i.e., heterozygosity and π) for sea lamprey collected from native (Connecticut River), native but recently colonized (Lake Champlain), and invasive (Lake Michigan) populations, assessed genetic differentiation between all populations, and identified candidate genes that responded to selection imposed by the novel environments. We observed a 14 and 24% reduction in genetic diversity in Lake Michigan and Lake Champlain populations, respectively, compared to individuals from the Connecticut River, suggesting that sea lamprey populations underwent a genetic bottleneck during colonization. Additionally, we identified 121 and 43 outlier genes in comparisons between Lake Michigan and Connecticut River and between Lake Champlain and Connecticut River, respectively. Six outlier genes that contained synonymous SNPs in their coding regions and two genes that contained nonsynonymous SNPs may underlie the rapid evolution of growth (i.e., GHR), reproduction (i.e., PGR, TTC25, STARD10), and bioenergetics (i.e., OXCT1, PYGL, DIN4, SLC25A15). By identifying the genomic basis of rapid adaptation to novel environments, we demonstrate that populations of invasive species can be a useful study system for understanding adaptive evolution. Furthermore, the reduction in genome-wide levels of genetic diversity associated with colonization coupled with the identification of outlier genes underlying key life history traits known to have changed in invasive sea lamprey populations (e.g., growth, reproduction) illustrate the utility in applying genomic approaches for the successful management of introduced species.
Gastroskopische Diagnose

Es ist bei vielen Gastroskopikern ein anerkanntes Prinzip, das zu einer kompletten Gastroskopie eine Biopsie unter direkter Sicht gehort. Eine Gastroskopie mit oder ohne Biopsie ist keine Routinemethode und sollte es auch nicht sein. Sie sollte vorbehalten sein fur alle Falle mit Verdacht auf Gastritis, nicht geklarten gastro-intestinalen Beschwerden (besonders unerklarter Hamorrhagie) und fur alle jene Falle, bei denen eine Differentialdiagnose schwierig ist. Die Gastroskopie mit Biopsie ist fur die Untersuchung der Gastritis von groser Wichtigkeit und wesentlich fur eine genaue Differentialdiagnose einer Gastritis, eines Lymphoms und eines infiltrierend wachsenden Carcinoms.
COVID-19, Race/Ethnicity, and Age: the Role of Telemedicine to Close the Gaps on Health Disparities

The novel COVID-19 outbreak is a major public health challenge that quickly turned into an economic recession of great proportions. This pandemic poses a trade-off between health and the economy where social distancing, quarantines, and isolation shut down demand and supply chains across the USA. This paper analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on illness and death among older adults and communities of color with low socioeconomic status in New York City. To achieve this goal, fractional logit models are used to capture changes in the novel virus’ morbidity and mortality rates at the neighborhood level. Median income, race/ethnicity, age, household crowding, and socially interactive employment explained the disproportionate exposure and fatalities across the city. We also employ a variable related to telehealth/telemedicine to sustain that technology goods along with government intervention as a provider of social goods can ameliorate existing health disparities. There is a need for evidence-based data on the economic costs and social benefits of COVID-19 relief programs.
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks for Painful Hand Injuries: A Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVES Traumatic hand injuries present to emergency departments frequently. Pain secondary to these injuries is typically managed with opioids, which may be inadequate and have side effects. Ultrasound (US)-guided forearm nerve blocks have emerged as an alternative modality for patients with acute pain from isolated extremity injuries. METHODS We performed a non-blinded, consecutive, randomized pragmatic trial of US-guided forearm nerve blocks using medium and long-acting anesthetic versus usual care for a six-day period around July 4th, 2017. Adults who sustained a traumatic or blast injury of their hands were considered. Consecutive emergency department patients were consented, enrolled and randomized into a study group (block) or control (standard care). The study group received a US-guided forearm block using a 50/50 mix of 1% lidocaine and 0.5% bupivacaine. The primary outcome was median pain scores via a 100-point visual analog scale at 15, 60, and 120 minutes after the nerve block compared to the baseline pain score. The secondary outcome was mean morphine equivalents administered. RESULTS Sixteen patients were screened and 12 were randomized: six to the treatment group and six to the control group. Median pain reduction from baseline at 15, 60, and 120 minutes in the forearm block group was -35 (IQR=10), -30 (IQR=50), and -20 (IQR=70, versus -5 (IQR=10), -20.5 (IQR=20), -20 (IQR=70) in the control group. At all time points, patient-reported pain scores decreased significantly over baseline in the forearm block group, whereas non-significant reductions in pain scores occurred in the control group. CONCLUSION US-guided forearm blocks for acute traumatic hand injuries resulted in greater pain relief when compared to usual care.
Genomics tools in microbial food safety

Genomics tools, and specifically whole-genome sequencing (WGS) methods, are rapidly transforming food safety, specifically through improved outbreak detection. In the U.S., whole genome sequencing of all human clinical Listeria monocytogenes isolates has been performed since 2013; isolates from foods and food processing plants obtained by regulatory agencies are also routinely characterized by WGS. Routine application of WGS appears to increase the number of listeriosis outbreaks that are detected and traced back to specific food sources. While rapidly improving WGS technologies have driven use of omics tools in food safety over the last 5–7 years, improved analytic methods will drive effective application of omics tools including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics over the next few years.
Evaluation of Immunogenicity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Daclizumab HYP (P1.147)

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the incidence and clinical impact of immunogenicity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with daclizumab high-yield process (DAC HYP). BACKGROUND: DAC HYP is a humanized, monoclonal anti-CD25 antibody aimed at treatment of relapsing-remitting MS as a subcutaneous 150mg administration every 4 weeks. DESIGN/METHODS: DAC HYP-treated patients were evaluated for serum anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) for 2-3 years starting at baseline, Week 4, Week 12, and every 12 weeks thereafter in the DECIDE trial. ADAs were measured using a validated bridging ECL immunoassay. Assay sensitivity was 63 ng/mL with a drug:antibody tolerance of 525:1. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) were measured using a cell-based electrochemiluminescent assay (sensitivity <400 ng/mL) by evaluating the ability of ADAs to block binding of ruthenium-labeled DAC HYP to CD25 protein on Kit225 cells. The relationship between clinical outcomes and ADA/NAb was evaluated using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Samples from 913 patients were evaluated. Pre-existing ADA reactivity at baseline was observed in 6[percnt] (59/913) of patients. Post-baseline ADA and NAb reactivity at any timepoint was observed in 22[percnt] (202/913) and 8[percnt] (71/913) of patients, respectively, and 19[percnt] (175/913) of ADA and all NAb responses were treatment-emergent. Most ADA-positive patients were observed during the first 24 weeks. The majority of ADA and NAb responses were transient (isolated events of <74 days in duration) and majority of these resolved after the first year. No detectable impact of ADAs/NAbs on PD responses, clinical or MRI disease activity, or adverse events was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Immunogenicity responses to DAC HYP during 3-year treatment occurred predominantly during the first 24 weeks of treatment, and were mostly transient and resolved after the first year. There was no detectable impact of immunogenicity on the safety or efficacy of DAC HYP. Study Supported by: Biogen Idec and AbbVie Biotherapeutics. Disclosure: Dr. Amaravadi has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec. as an employee. Dr. Mikulskis has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Lucas has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Riester has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec as an employee. Dr. Sweetser holds stock and/or stock options in Biogen Idec. Dr. Elkins holds stock and/or stock options in Biogen Idec.
An Introduction to Thermodynamic Performance Analysis of Aircraft Gas Turbine Engine Cycles Using the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation Code

This document is intended as an introduction to the analysis of gas turbine engine cycles using the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) code. It is assumed that the analyst has a firm understanding of fluid flow, gas dynamics, thermodynamics, and turbomachinery theory. The purpose of this paper is to provide for the novice the information necessary to begin cycle analysis using NPSS. This paper and the annotated example serve as a starting point and by no means cover the entire range of information and experience necessary for engine performance simulation. NPSS syntax is presented but for a more detailed explanation of the code the user is referred to the NPSS User Guide and Reference document (ref. 1).
Outcome of Infra-popliteal Bypass Grafts Using the Distal Superficial Femoral or Popliteal Arteries for Inflow in Critical Leg Ischemia

(median age; 72 years; range; 45-91 years). The primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates at 1 year were 57%, 80%, and 89%, respectively. The amputationfree survival at 1 year was 92%. At 1 year, 82 % of the patients were free of endovascular reintervention. There were no early 30-day mortalities; however, six patients died within 1 year (4.8%). Eight patients underwent RFE in combination with a distal bypass, and all but one required multiple endovascular reinterventions within 1 year. All combined RFE/distal bypasses were patent at 1 year. Conclusions: Hyb revascularization allows for treatment of multilevel disease in CLI patients. Amputationfree survival at 1 year was 92%, and primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 57%, 80%, and 89%. Similarly, favorable results were seen with distal bypass surgery combined with RFE, with 100% patency rates at 1 year. Duplex surveillance and salvage angioplasty are essential in maintaining graft patency.
Hypertrophy and hyperplasia cause differing effects on vascular smooth muscle cell Na+/H+ exchange and intracellular pH.

Mitogens and vasoconstrictors stimulate many of the same early intracellular signals (e.g. phospholipase C and protein kinase C activation) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Despite these shared signals, angiotensin II is not mitogenic for cultured VSMC. The nonmitogenic effect of angiotensin II suggests that other intracellular signals associated with growth should differ between mitogens and vasoconstrictors. Because of the importance of intracellular pH (pHi) in growth, we compared the effects of 10% calf serum, 10 ng/ml platelet-derived growth factor, and 100 nM angiotensin II on pHi and Na+/H+ exchange. All agonists stimulated a rapid (less than 1 min) rise in pHi mediated by Na+/H+ exchange. However, exposure of growth-arrested VSMC to these agonists for 24 h caused significant differences in pHi: 7.18 (10% serum), 7.16 (platelet-derived growth factor), 6.99 (angiotensin II), and 7.08 (0.4% serum). Na+/H+ exchange activity was measured in acid-loaded cells by the ethyl isopropyl amiloride-sensitive influx of Na+ and efflux of H+. Both techniques showed that exposure to 10% serum caused approximately 45% decrease in Na+/H+ exchange activity without significant change in angiotensin II-treated cells. Thus, although the rapid changes in pHi and Na+/H+ exchange function are the same for angiotensin II and mitogens, the long term effects differ. The data suggest that differences in pHi regulatory mechanisms are important in determining whether an agonist causes VSMC hypertrophy or hyperplasia.
Enhanced transfer of terrestrially derived carbon to the atmosphere in a flooding event

[1] Rising CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, global climate change, and the sustainability of the Earth's biosphere are great societal concerns for the 21st century. Global climate change has, in part, resulted in a higher frequency of flooding events, which allow for greater exchange between soil/plant litter and aquatic carbon pools. Here we demonstrate that the summer 2011 flood in the Mississippi River basin, caused by extreme precipitation events, resulted in a “flushing” of terrestrially derived dissolved organic carbon (TDOC) to the northern Gulf of Mexico. Data from the lower Atchafalaya and Mississippi rivers showed that the DOC flux to the northern Gulf of Mexico during this flood was significantly higher than in previous years. We also show that consumption of radiocarbon-modern TDOC by bacteria in floodwaters in the lower Atchafalaya River and along the adjacent shelf contributed to northern Gulf shelf waters changing from a net sink to a net source of CO2 to the atmosphere in June and August 2011. This work shows that enhanced flooding, which may or may not be caused by climate change, can result in rapid losses of stored carbon in soils to the atmosphere via processes in aquatic ecosystems.
Colombia: organizing for competitiveness

Colombia habia experimentado decadas de conflicto impulsado por el narcotrafico y una compleja red de guerrillas y grupos paramilitares. A pesar de esto, el pais habia logrado mantener un crecimiento economico positivo y una medida de estabilidad economica. Desde que el presidente Alvaro Uribe asumio el cargo en 2002, Colombia ha archivado mejoras de seguridad sin precedentes que han impulsado el crecimiento economico. Sin embargo, el pais aun registraba tasas de crecimiento muy por debajo de los paises exitosos de ingresos medios.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: Cutting Off the Nose to Save the Penis

ABSTRACT Introduction The average bicycle police officer spends 24 hours a week on his bicycle and previous studies have shown riding a bicycle with a traditional (nosed) saddle has been associated with urogenital paresthesia and sexual dysfunction. Aim The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the no‐nose bicycle saddle as an ergonomic intervention and their acceptance among male bicycle police officers. Methods Bicycle police officers from five U.S. metropolitan areas were recruited for this study. Officers completed: (i) the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF); (ii) computerized pressure measurements at the points of contact on the bicycle; the handlebars, the pedals, and the saddle; (iii) one night of nocturnal Rigiscan® assessment; (iv) penile vibrotactile sensitivity threshold assessed by computerized biothesiometery. Officers selected a no‐nose saddle for their bicycles and were asked to use the intervention saddle exclusively for 6 months, at which point they were retested. Main Outcome Measures Perineal pressure, urogenital numbness, penile vibrotactile sensitivity threshold, erectile function as measure by International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF) and Rigiscan. Results After 6 months, 90 men were reassessed. Only three men had returned to a traditional saddle. The results are presented for those who used the no‐nose saddle continuously for 6 months. There was a 66% reduction in saddle contact pressure in the perineal region ( P P = 0.015). There was a significant improvement in erectile function assessed by IIEF ( P = 0.015). There were no changes noted in the Rigiscan® measures. The number of men indicating they had not experienced urogential paresthesia while cycling for the preceding 6 months, rose from 27% to 82% using no‐nose saddles. Conclusion (i) With few exceptions, bicycle police officers were able to effectively use no‐nose saddles in their police work. (ii) Use of no‐nose saddles reduced most perineal pressure. (iii) Penile health improved after 6 month using no‐nose saddles as measured by biothesiometry and IIEF. There was no improvement in Rigiscan® measure after 6 months of using no nose saddles, suggesting that a longer recovery time may be needed. Schrader SM, Breitenstein MJ, and Lowe BD. Cutting off the nose to save the penis. J Sex Med 2008;5:1932–1940.
Diffraction from periodic arrays of dislocations

Abstract The structure factor of a square grid of screw dislocations was computed using the displacement field of van der Merwe for a low-angle twist boundary. The calculations predict, for dislocations spaced d D apart, that the electron diffraction pattern from the dislocation array viewed at normal incidence consists of square arrays of reflections spaced I/d D apart, centred around f.c.c. reflections, in the same orientation as the square dislocation grid. No extra reflections were predicted around the reciprocal space origin. The calculated pattern showed excellent agreement with the observed electron diffraction pattern from a low-angle twist boundary in gold. The use of these reflections to study periodic arrays of closely spaced dislocations was discussed and it was estimated that d D's as small as 4|b|, corresponding to a misorientation of 14°, would be detectable.
Limits of interpolatory processes

Given N distinct real numbers ν 1 ,...,ν N and a positive approximation of the identity Φ∈, which converges weakly to the Dirac delta measure as e goes to zero, we investigate the polynomials P∈(x) = Σc∈ ,j e -i j x which solve the interpolation problem √ P∈(x)e iνkx Φ∈(x)dx = f∈ ,k , k = 1,...,N, with prescribed data f∈ ,1 ,...,f∈ ,N . More specifically, we are interested in the behavior of P∈(x) when the data is of the form f∈ ,k = √f(x) iν k x Φ∈(x)dx for some prescribed function f. One of our results asserts that if f is sufficiently nice and Φ∈ has sufficiently well-behaved moments, then P∈ converges to a limit P which can be completely characterized. As an application we identify the limits of certain fundamental interpolatory splines whose knot set is Z/N, where N is an arbitrary finite subset of the integer lattice Z, as their degree goes to infinity.
Improved methods for preparation of culture media for in-vitro fertilization and gamete intra-Fallopian transfer

A new method for preparation of culture media for IVF-ET and GIFT was developed which eliminated the requirement for volumetrics and glassware. Water weight was used instead of volumetrics for preparation of media. Media prepared by the volumetric and water weight methods were compared for (i) preparation time, (ii) pH, (iii) osmolarity and (iv) the percentage of two-cell murine embryos developing to blastocysts. The time required for preparation of media was significantly less for the water weight method. Following equilibration with 5% CO2, no differences were observed between the two methods for pH, osmolarity or development of embryos to the blastocyst stage. Time for media preparation and osmolarity was less variable among preparation days for the water weight method. These results suggest that media can be prepared more efficiently and precisely with the water weight method than with the standard volumetric method used by most IVF laboratories. The former method eliminates considerable technician time which must be devoted to proper cleaning/sterilization of volumetrics and the possibility of media contamination by residual substances remaining on volumetrics following improper cleaning.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: the hepatic metabolic syndrome.

Purpose: To examine a case of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and review the incidence, pathophysiology, appropriate diagnostic procedures and imaging, clinical considerations, and treatment options. Data sources: Findings from the history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing of a 39-year-old man with elevated liver enzymes presenting to the hepatology clinic; a search of evidence-based literature in the PubMed and CINAHL database with the terms “fatty liver,”“nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,” and “nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.” Conclusions: NAFLD is the deposition of fat in the liver that can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, resulting in fibrosis and cirrhosis. The exact pathophysiology is unknown, but risk factors can include those criteria associated with metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is a diagnosis of exclusion and can lead to serious health consequences if it is not identified and interventions are not implemented promptly. Treatment options remain limited but currently focus on weight loss, exercise, and diet. Implication for practice: The clinician must include the spectrum of NAFLD in the differential diagnosis for any patient with elevated liver enzymes. The key actions for diagnosing NAFLD are identifying risk factors and ordering appropriate testing for confirmation. These considerations will lead to early diagnosis and implementation of treatment interventions.
Cholesterol Embolism Causing Delayed Healing of a Foot Ulcer

A cholesterol embolism presents with various systemic and local manifestations giving rise to a diagnostic dilemma. We report a case of cholesterol embolism of the leg that delayed the healing of a foot ulcer, necessitating a toe amputation. This report points to the potential of cholesterol emboli to cause a significant compromise in the vascular supply.
Bioenergetics in glutaryl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency: a role for glutaryl-coenzyme A.

Inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase results in an accumulation of glutaryl-CoA, glutaric, and 3-hydroxyglutaric acids. If untreated, most patients suffer an acute encephalopathic crisis and, subsequently, acute striatal damage being precipitated by febrile infectious diseases during a vulnerable period of brain development (age 3 and 36 months). It has been suggested before that some of these organic acids may induce excitotoxic cell damage, however, the relevance of bioenergetic impairment is not yet understood. The major aim of our study was to investigate respiratory chain, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation in this disease using purified single enzymes and tissue homogenates from Gcdh-deficient and wild-type mice. In purified enzymes, glutaryl-CoA but not glutaric or 3-hydroxyglutaric induced an uncompetitive inhibition of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex activity. Notably, reduced activity of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity has recently been demonstrated in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases. In contrast to α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, no direct inhibition of glutaryl-CoA, glutaric acid, and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid was found in other enzymes tested. In Gcdh-deficient mice, respiratory chain and tricarboxylic acid activities remained widely unaffected, virtually excluding regulatory changes in these enzymes. However, hepatic activity of very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase was decreased and concentrations of long-chain acylcarnitines increased in the bile of these mice, which suggested disturbed oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that bioenergetic impairment may play an important role in the pathomechanisms underlying neurodegenerative changes in glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Grouping variables into multiport memories for data path synthesis

Grouping registers into register files for efficiently implementing large VLSI chips, based on multiport memories, is being used in the design of many high-speed RISC and superscalar processors. An efficient design methodology for grouping variables into multiport memories, which is an essential step for multiport memory-based data path synthesis, is presented. The technique not only groups variables into a minimum number of multiport memory modules, but also simultaneously minimizes the number of registers in each memory module. The minimization problem has been formulated as a zero-one integer linear programming problem. Experiments on benchmarks show very promising results. >
Substructural dimensions of interorganizational relations in marketing channels

Indicants of the four primary dimensions of interorganizational relations (i.e. degree of formalization, degree of intensity, degree of reciprocity, and degree of standardization) were classified as either substructural or superstructural elements of interorganizational networks. Marketing channels of distribution were described as interorganizational systems of sellers and resellers. Types of marketing channels were categorized according to their degree of formalization. Relationships between this element of interorganizational network substructure and the other three dimensions of substructure were hypothesized. In general, as the degree of formalization among marketing channel members increases, the degree of intensity, the degree of reciprocity, and the degree of standardization are also expected to increase.
Species distribution modeling and prediction: A class imbalance problem

Predicting the distributions of species is central to a variety of applications in ecology and conservation biology. With increasing interest in using electronic occurrence records, many modeling techniques have been developed to utilize this data and compute the potential distribution of species as a proxy for actual observations. As the actual observations are typically overwhelmed by non-occurrences, we approach the modeling of species' distributions with a focus on the problem of class imbalance. Our analysis includes the evaluation of several machine learning methods that have been shown to address the problems of class imbalance, but which have rarely or never been applied to the domain of species distribution modeling. Evaluation of these methods includes the use of the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPR), which can supplement other metrics to provide a more informative assessment of model utility under conditions of class imbalance. Our analysis concludes that emphasizing techniques that specifically address the problem of class imbalance can provide AUROC and AUPR results competitive with traditional species distribution models.
Cortisone therapy of rheumatic fever: relation of clinical response to levels of serum protein-bound iodine, serum corticoids and urinary 17-ketosteroids.

The clinical and laboratory data on a group of 53 children ranging inage from 4 to 15 years and treated for initial attacks of rheumatic carditis with large amounts of cortisone have been presented previously (1, 2). The return of the abnormal cardiologic findings to normal in children with earlier unequivocal evidences of myocarditis seemed to depend upon the duration of illness prior to treatment; at present 12 of the 14 treated within two weeks of onset have normal hearts, and 16 of the 27 treated two to six weeks after onset have no cardiac abnormalities, with 3 others having only non-transmitted grade I systolic apical murmurs. This favorable outcome contrasts sharply with the finding that only 1 of the 14 treated after six weeks of illness now has a normal heart. The followup period extends from three to thirty-nine months.
Strategies in late stage cervix carcinoma

Stage IIB-IV squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix when treated by irradiation has a significant failure rate. Causes of pelvic and distant failure are discussed. New techniques employed to improve local control and decrease distant metastasis are presented. Data on morbidity, mortality, and survival will be reviewed with respect to these new strategies employed.
Modeling regeneration responses of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) to abiotic conditions

Abstract Ecosystems dominated by big sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata Nuttall (Asteraceae), which are the most widespread ecosystems in semiarid western North America, have been affected by land use practices and invasive species. Loss of big sagebrush and the decline of associated species, such as greater sage-grouse, are a concern to land managers and conservationists. However, big sagebrush regeneration remains difficult to achieve by restoration and reclamation efforts and there is no regeneration simulation model available. We present here the first process-based, daily time-step, simulation model to predict yearly big sagebrush regeneration including relevant germination and seedling responses to abiotic factors. We estimated values, uncertainty, and importance of 27 model parameters using a total of 1435 site-years of observation. Our model explained 74% of variability of number of years with successful regeneration at 46 sites. It also achieved 60% overall accuracy predicting yearly regeneration success/failure. Our results identify specific future research needed to improve our understanding of big sagebrush regeneration, including data at the subspecies level and improved parameter estimates for start of seed dispersal, modified wet thermal-time model of germination, and soil water potential influences. We found that relationships between big sagebrush regeneration and climate conditions were site specific, varying across the distribution of big sagebrush. This indicates that statistical models based on climate are unsuitable for understanding range-wide regeneration patterns or for assessing the potential consequences of changing climate on sagebrush regeneration and underscores the value of this process-based model. We used our model to predict potential regeneration across the range of sagebrush ecosystems in the western United States, which confirmed that seedling survival is a limiting factor, whereas germination is not. Our results also suggested that modeled regeneration suitability is necessary but not sufficient to explain sagebrush presence. We conclude that future assessment of big sagebrush responses to climate change will need to account for responses of regenerative stages using a process-based understanding, such as provided by our model.
Do N95 respirators provide 95% protection level against airborne viruses, and how adequate are surgical masks?

Background Respiratory protection devices are used to protect the wearers from inhaling particles suspended in the air. Filtering face piece respirators are usually tested utilizing nonbiologic particles, whereas their use often aims at reducing exposure to biologic aerosols, including infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Methods The performance of 2 types of N95 half-mask, filtering face piece respirators and 2 types of surgical masks were determined. The collection efficiency of these respiratory protection devices was investigated using MS2 virus (a nonharmful simulant of several pathogens). The virions were detected in the particle size range of 10 to 80 nm. Results The results indicate that the penetration of virions through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95 respirators can exceed an expected level of 5%. As anticipated, the tested surgical masks showed a much higher particle penetration because they are known to be less efficient than the N95 respirators. The 2 surgical masks, which originated from the same manufacturer, showed tremendously different penetration levels of the MS2 virions: 20.5% and 84.5%, respectively, at an inhalation flow rate of 85 L/min. Conclusion The N95 filtering face piece respirators may not provide the expected protection level against small virions. Some surgical masks may let a significant fraction of airborne viruses penetrate through their filters, providing very low protection against aerosolized infectious agents in the size range of 10 to 80 nm. It should be noted that the surgical masks are primarily designed to protect the environment from the wearer, whereas the respirators are supposed to protect the wearer from the environment.
Identification of C18:1-phytoceramide as the candidate lipid mediator for hydroxyurea resistance in yeast.

Recent studies showed that deletion of ISC1, the yeast homologue of the mammalian neutral sphingomyelinase, resulted in an increased sensitivity to hydroxyurea (HU). This raised an intriguing question as to whether sphingolipids are involved in pathways initiated by HU. In this study, we show that HU treatment led to a significant increase in Isc1 activity. Analysis of sphingolipid deletion mutants and pharmacological analysis pointed to a role for ceramide in mediating HU resistance. Lipid analysis revealed that HU induced increases in phytoceramides in WT cells but not in isc1Δ cells. To probe functions of specific ceramides, we developed an approach to supplement the medium with fatty acids. Oleate (C18:1) was the only fatty acid protecting isc1Δ cells from HU toxicity in a ceramide-dependent manner. Because phytoceramide activates protein phosphatases in yeast, we evaluated the role of CDC55, the regulatory subunit of ceramide-activated protein phosphatase PP2A. Overexpression of CDC55 overcame the sensitivity to HU in isc1Δ cells. However, addition of oleate did not protect the isc1Δ,cdc55Δ double mutant from HU toxicity. These results demonstrate that HU launches a lipid pathway mediated by a specific sphingolipid, C18:1-phytoceramide, produced by Isc1, which provides protection from HU by modulating Swe1 levels through the PP2A subunit Cdc55. Background: Deletion of the sphingolipid enzyme Isc1 in yeast makes cells sensitive to hydroxyurea. Results: Phytoceramides are the main sphingolipid involved in yeast cell response to hydroxyurea toxicity. Conclusion: C18:1-phytoceramides are identified as the specific ceramide that provide protection from hydroxyurea in a Cdc55-dependent manner. Significance: This is the first specific sphingolipid species identified to play a role in the genotoxic response pathway.
Mimicry or Scrutiny? Striking a Partnership Between Engineering Design and Biological Research

The richness of the biological world is a testament to the diversity of life, the conditions under which it can endure, and the remarkable array of robust solutions to environmental challenges. Animals have, over millions of years, evolved complex computations to parse the richness of their natural sensory milieu, as well as mechanisms to transcribe this information into appropriate motor actions. For designers of mechanical systems and robotics, biology represents a vast library of possibilities and solutions. It is ?natural,?? of course, to seek to imitate these solutions in terms of robotic systems trying to address similar challenges.
Response of soil methanotrophic activity to carbon dioxide enrichment in a North Carolina coniferous forest

Abstract Rates of methane oxidation in soils from a forest that was enriched with carbon dioxide at 200 μl l −1 above ambient CO 2 for 3 years were compared with rates in control soils from a forest that was aerated with ambient air. Laboratory incubations were performed on homogenized soil samples collected from the 0 to 7.5 and 7.5 to 15 cm soil zones at 8-week intervals from May through October. Methane was oxidized consistently at both depths. A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that net CH 4 consumption was significantly lower in soils collected under elevated CO 2 , despite similar moisture, temperature, NO 3 − , and NH 4 + contents. The effect of CO 2 enrichment on CH 4 consumption was greatest in May and lowest in October. Potential differences in the labile fraction of organic matter in soils from CO 2 -enriched plots were not responsible for lower CH 4 oxidation, as rates measured did not change for both ambient and elevated CO 2 soils during a 2-week incubation. Net CH 4 oxidation rates were unaffected by additions of 0.5 μmol NH 4 + g −1 soil, but were significantly reduced in all soils at 1.0 μmol NH 4 + g −1 . Nitrate addition did not influence net CH 4 oxidation at either concentration. Methane production (methanogenesis) was not evident after application of difluoromethane, an inhibitor of CH 4 oxidation, indicating that the observed changes in headspace CH 4 concentration during lab incubations resulted solely from methanotrophic activity. Methane consumption from May through October for elevated CO 2 soils was 47% less overall than for ambient CO 2 soils. The contemporary increase in atmospheric CO 2 may negatively affect the soil CH 4 -oxidizing community of upland forest soils and reduce the sink strength of these ecosystems in the atmospheric CH 4 budget.
Equilibrium state of trailing vortices: two-dimensional model of a far-field vortex wake

Abstract The equilibrium statistical mechanics of a system composed of a large number of two-dimensional point vortices is employed to describe the vortex system shed from aircraft wings. According to this theory, these higher energy states of the vortex system can only be achieved by segregating the point vortices of like kind into two clusters that descend with a constant velocity. The solution is given in terms of the integral constraints for each cluster: total circulation, center of inertia, and kinetic energy. The negative non-dimensional inverse temperature of the system and the length scale related to angular momentum of a single trailing vortex are obtained versus initial interaction energy of the vortex system. Comparison of the theoretical results with available experimental data shows good agreement between the calculated tangential velocity distribution in the trailing vortex and the data. The flow characteristics for three different wing loads are also compared to emphasize the effect of initial circulation distribution along a lifting wing on the vorticity distribution in the equilibrium trailing vortices.
Students' Opinions Regarding Their Individualized Education Program Involvement

Despite national interest in promoting self-determination and active involvement in individualized education program (IEP) planning, available data suggest that many students have little involvement in these activities. Findings on the extent to which students are provided opportunities to be involved in IEP development and to receive self-determination instruction have been based on parent and teacher input, with little input provided by students. In this study, researchers piloted a tool that asked students with intellectual and other disabilities to provide input on their involvement in IEP development and their opportunities to learn self-determination strategies. Findings reveal that although the majority of students reported receiving some instruction on one or more self-determination strategies, few students were provided instruction in having an active role in the IEP process.
1158 ZINC (Zn) AND COPPER (Cu) METABOLISM IN CaNa2EDTA-TREATED CHILDREN WITH PLUMBISM

CaNa2EDTA is the primary agent in the treatment of plumbism in children. In vitro studies have shown that this agent also chelates several essential trace elements including Zn. We investigated the effects of a 5-day course of CaNa2EDTA (1000 mg/m2/day) on serum Zn and Cu concentrations. 13 children with varying degrees of plumbism (blood Pb: 40-71μg/dl) had serum Zn and Cu concentrations measured 1 day before and 1 day after 5 days of therapy. In addition, 6 of these subjects had recovery (rec) phase levels drawn within 1 month of therapy. Conclusions: 1) Mean serum Zn concentration in children with plumbism is significantly lower compared to normal children; 2) CaNa2EDTA treatment transiently and significantly further decreases serum Zn levels; 3) Return to pretreatment Zn levels occurs less than 1 month after CaNa2EDTA therapy; 4) Serum Cu concentration is unaffected by increased blood lead concentration or CaNa2EDTA therapy; 5) Zn and Cu supplementation to correct any CaNa2EDTA-induced abnormalities appears unnecessary; 6) These data suggest that interactions between Zn and Pb may be of importance in the clinical expression of lead toxicity.
Modification of Expression of the Malignant Phenotype in Radiation-initiated Cells

Carcinogenesis is a multistage process consisting minimally of initiation and promotion/progression stages. Radiation and many environmental xenobiotics are potent initiating agents. We have shown that initiation of carcinogenesis in vivo by these agents is a common cellular event. In the irradiated thyroid (5 Gy) at least one in 20 cells is initiated. Initiation by both radiation and chemicals has also been shown to be a common cellular event in the mammary gland. Initiation therefore is most likely not the sole rate-limiting event in the carcinogenic process. The propensity of the initiated cell to express the malignant phenotype is modulated by many factors, including environmental chemicals and physiological and genetic factors. Scopal and abscopal physiological factors can either enhance or suppress the progression of initiated cells to a frank tumour. For example, prolactin enhances the rate of progression of radiation and chemically initiated mammary tumours while glucocorticoids suppress this progression. TSH enhances the progression of radiation-initiated thyroid tumours while a scopal factor associated with unirradiated thyroid cells suppresses progression of this tumour type.
Inheritance patterns of idiotype expression: maternal-fetal immune regulatory networks

The production of Id-1, a cross-reactive idiotype associated with rat anti-group A streptococcal carbohydrate antibodies, by 11 strains of rats indicates that genes coding for Id-1 are in the germline. Its expression, however, follows a complex inheritance pattern. It was our intent in these studies to determine if immune responsiveness of streptococcus (GASV) immunized females could alter Id-1 expression of GASV-immunized progeny, and, in turn, introduce complications in Id-1 inheritance patterns.-We observed that Id-1-specific immune reactivity of GASV-immunized females could induce significant alterations in Id-1 production by progeny. The relationship between maternal and progeny Id-1 was complex, reflecting the complexity of autologous regulation of Id-1 production, and could be the opposite of what one would predict based upon parental transfer of Id-1 regulatory genes. The nongenetic nature of the maternal regulatory influence was confirmed by foster-mother studies.— We conclude that antigen-induced maternal immune responsiveness can exert a permanent regulatory influence on idiotype expression by progeny and consequently introduce error into the interpretations of idiotype inheritance patterns. The recognition of this maternal regulatory influence also lends further support to Jerne's hypothesis that idiotype-specific immune networks play a significant role in the regulation of immune responsiveness in vivo.