cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism and Function of Sphingolipids in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae: Relevance to Cancer Research

Over the last two decades, sphingolipids have emerged as important cell regulators. Included in this lipid class are the lipid mediator sphingosine, its phosphorylated derivative sphingosine-1-phosphate, and ceramide. In humans, the major known functions of sphingolipid-mediated cell regulation is the modulation of signaling pathways which control fundamental cellular processes including cell division, senescence, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and differentiation [40, 41, 74], all of direct relevance to cancer pathogenesis and progression. Because of these myriad activities, the enzymes that generate sphingolipid mediators are potential targets for cancer treatment. Thus, characterization of these enzymes with respect to activity, regulation, localization, and cellular function is fundamental to developing strategies for modulating sphingolipid levels in vivo. The yeast system has emerged as an invaluable tool for the identification, cloning, and characterization of enzymes of sphingolipid metabolism. Furthermore, insights gained from yeast studies of sphingolipid metabolism and function continue to push the forefront of sphingolipid research, especially since the roles of sphingolipids in stress and other cell responses appear to be conserved from yeast to human. L. Ashely Cowart*, Yusuf A. Hannun* and Lina M. Obeid# #Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration and the Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
Operant conditioning: a tool for special physical educators in the 1980s:

Our youth now love luxury, have bad manners, and contempt for authority. They show disrespect for elders and they love to chatter instead of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of ...
PROMISE: an end-to-end design of a programmable mixed-signal accelerator for machine-learning algorithms

Analog/mixed-signal machine learning (ML) accelerators exploit the unique computing capability of analog/mixed-signal circuits and inherent error tolerance of ML algorithms to obtain higher energy efficiencies than digital ML accelerators. Unfortunately, these analog/mixed-signal ML accelerators lack programmability, and even instruction set interfaces, to support diverse ML algorithms or to enable essential software control over the energy-vs-accuracy tradeoffs. We propose PROMISE, the first end-to-end design of a PROgrammable MIxed-Signal accElerator from Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) to high-level language compiler for acceleration of diverse ML algorithms. We first identify prevalent operations in widely-used ML algorithms and key constraints in supporting these operations for a programmable mixed-signal accelerator. Second, based on that analysis, we propose an ISA with a PROMISE architecture built with silicon-validated components for mixed-signal operations. Third, we develop a compiler that can take a ML algorithm described in a high-level programming language (Julia) and generate PROMISE code, with an IR design that is both language-neutral and abstracts away unnecessary hardware details. Fourth, we show how the compiler can map an application-level error tolerance specification for neural network applications down to low-level hardware parameters (swing voltages for each application Task) to minimize energy consumption. Our experiments show that PROMISE can accelerate diverse ML algorithms with energy efficiency competitive even with fixed-function digital ASICs for specific ML algorithms, and the compiler optimization achieves significant additional energy savings even for only 1% extra errors.
The renin–angiotensin system in cardiovascular autonomic control: recent developments and clinical implications

Complex and bidirectional interactions between the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and autonomic nervous system have been well established for cardiovascular regulation under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Most research to date has focused on deleterious effects of components of the vasoconstrictor arm of the RAS on cardiovascular autonomic control, such as renin, angiotensin II, and aldosterone. The recent discovery of prorenin and the prorenin receptor have further increased our understanding of RAS interactions in autonomic brain regions. Therapies targeting these RAS components, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, are commonly used for treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, with blood pressure-lowering effects attributed in part to sympathetic inhibition and parasympathetic facilitation. In addition, a vasodilatory arm of the RAS has emerged that includes angiotensin-(1-7), ACE2, and alamandine, and promotes beneficial effects on blood pressure in part by reducing sympathetic activity and improving arterial baroreceptor reflex function in animal models. The role of the vasodilatory arm of the RAS in cardiovascular autonomic regulation in clinical populations, however, has yet to be determined. This review will summarize recent developments in autonomic mechanisms involved in the effects of the RAS on cardiovascular regulation, with a focus on newly discovered pathways and therapeutic targets for this hormone system.
Phosphorylation-dependent protein design: design of a minimal protein kinase-inducible domain

Protein kinases and phosphatases modulate protein structure and function, which in turn regulate cellular activities. The development of novel proteins and protein motifs that are responsive to protein phosphorylation provides new ways to probe the functions of individual protein kinases and the intracellular effects of their activation and downregulation. Herein we develop a minimal motif that is responsive to protein phosphorylation, termed a minimal protein kinase-inducible domain. The encodable protein motif comprises a 7- or 8-residue sequence (DKDADXW or DKDADXXW), derived from EF-Hand calcium-binding domains, that is necessary but not sufficient for binding terbium, combined with a protein phosphorylation site (Ser or Thr at residue 9) that, upon phosphorylation, completes the metal-binding motif. Thus, the motif binds metal poorly and exhibits weak terbium luminescence when not phosphorylated. Upon phosphorylation, the peptide binds metal with significantly higher affinity and exhibits robust terbium luminescence. Phosphorylation results in up to a 23× increase in terbium luminescence. Minimal phosphorylation-dependent motifs as small as 9 residues (DKDADGWIS) were developed. NMR spectroscopy on this lanthanum(iii)·phosphopeptide complex confirmed that binding occurs in a manner similar to that in an EF-Hand, despite the absence of the conserved Glu12 typically present in an EF-Hand. By combining molecular design with known protein kinase recognition sequences, minimal protein kinase-inducible domains were developed that were responsive to phosphorylation by Protein Kinase A (PKA: DKDADRRW(S/pS)IIAK), Protein Kinase C (PKC: DKDADGWI(T/pT)FRRKA), and Casein Kinase 1 (CK1: DKDADDWA(S/pS)I). Phosphorylation by PKA was quantified in HeLa cell extracts, with a 4.4× increase in fluorescence (terbium luminescence) observed at 544 nm. The optimized minimal motif includes alternating aspartate residues at positions 1, 3, and 5, plus binding through the main-chain carbonyl at position 7; a lysine at position 2 to provide electrostatic balance and reduce binding in the absence of phosphorylation; an alanine at residue 4 to promote the αL conformation observed at that position of the EF Hand; a tryptophan at residue 7 or 8 to sensitize terbium luminescence; and a phosphorylation site with serine or threonine at residue 9. Residues at positions 6; 7 or 8; and 10 or later may be changed to provide kinase specificity. In the CK1-responsive peptide, the acidic residues in the proto-terbium-binding motif are employed as part of the kinase recognition sequence. This work thus presents fundamental rules for the design of compact phosphorylation-responsive terbium-binding motifs, with potential further application to motifs responsive to other protein post-translational modifications.
Pediatric Blood Lead Levels Within New York City Public Versus Private Housing, 2003–2017

Objectives. To compare blood lead levels (BLLs) among children residing in public and private housing in New York City and examine the implications for lead identification and remediation policies....
Chemical stability and long-term cell performance of low-cobalt, Ni-Rich cathodes prepared by aqueous processing for high-energy Li-Ion batteries

Abstract Cobalt content in Li-ion battery cathodes has become a top concern due to its price volatility and limited source availability. Low-cobalt, Ni-rich active materials are promising candidates for next-generation cathodes due to their high capacities, and water-based processing of these materials can further reduce both cost and environmental impact. We systematically evaluated the water compatibility of four different LiNixMn1-x-yCoyO2 (NMC) powders with increasing nickel contents. Comprehensive characterization verified there is no major change to their bulk structures, and only slight surface modifications related to the removal of contaminant species. For the first time, we demonstrate that LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC 811) cathodes can be formulated in water and cycled 1000 times in full pouch cells with excellent capacity retention (~70% compared to ~76% for NMP-processed cells). When implemented in future battery production lines, aqueous processing of Ni-rich NMC will simultaneously enable cost reductions and higher cell energy densities.
Analysis of non-obstetric vaginal and vulvar trauma: risk factors for operative intervention

Vaginal and vulvar trauma may occur accidentally or because of an act of violence. Due to its rarity, little is known about risk factors effecting need for operative intervention. We sought to perform a large descriptive analysis of adult non-obstetric vulvovaginal trauma (VVT) and elucidate risk factors for requiring operative intervention. A retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank was performed between 2007 and 2015. Patients ≥ 16 years old with vaginal or vulvar trauma were identified. Risk factors for surgical intervention were identified using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. From 2,040,235 female patients, 2445 ( 65 (OR = 0.41, CI 0.26–0.62, p 25 (OR = 0.66, CI 0.50–0.86, p = 0.01) and victims of rape (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.26–0.57, p 65 (OR = 0.45, CI 0.21–0.94, p = 0.02), victims of rape (OR = 0.26, CI 0.08–0.87, p = 0.01) and gunshot violence (OR = 0.10, CI 0.02–0.59, p = 0.02) were less likely to require operative intervention, but those with a concomitant injury to the vagina were more likely to require operative intervention (OR = 2.56, CI 1.63–4.03, p < 0.001). Injuries to the vagina or vulva occur in < 0.2% of traumas. Interestingly, in both vulvar and vaginal trauma, older age, and involvement in rape were associated with lower risk for operative intervention. A combined injury to the vagina and vulva increases the need for operative intervention.
Frequency tuning of film bulk acoustic resonators

This paper suggests a design for a Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator (FBAR) which utilizes a secondary piezoelectric layer for purposes of tuning the FBAR's resonant frequency. Currently, many ceramic resonators have difficulties in on-chip integration, power handling and electrode fabrication. FBARs are not only simple to fabricate and capable of full integration with CMOS/RF IC circuitry, but are also compact and can achieve high frequencies (GHz) with high quality factors. It is widely accepted that piezoelectric actuators encounter a significant change in mechanical stiffness between their open-circuit and closed-circuit states. In addition, it has been previously shown that the resonant frequency of a multi-layer FBAR is a function of the acoustic impedances and, correspondingly, the acoustic velocities, of its respective layers. Since the effective modulus term of the acoustic velocity of an FBAR layer is dependent on both the mechanical properties and electromechanical coupling of its piezoelectric element, and since electromechanical coupling can be altered by means a previously investigated shunt capacitor tuning concept, the stiffness of the piezoelectric tuning layer can be adjusted to vary the resonant frequency of the FBAR. Since difficulties have existed in matching FBAR resonant frequencies to specified values or making the frequencies stable during temperature variations, an active tuning capability for FBARs could offer many possible improvements. This work describes the application of the shunt capacitor tuning to a FBAR resonator and looks at the effects that varying different FBAR parameters have on the frequency range and degree of tunability of the device.
Towards a Better Understanding of Computational Models for Predicting DNA Methylation Effects at the Molecular Level

Human DNA is a very sensitive macromolecule and slight changes in the structure of DNA can have disastrous effects on the organism. When nucleotides are modified, or changed, the resulting DNA sequence can lose its information, if it is part of a gene, or it can become a problem for replication and repair. Human cells can regulate themselves by using a process known as DNA methylation. This methylation is vitally important in cell differentiation and expression of genes. When the methylation is uncontrolled, however, or does not occur in the right place, serious pathophysiological consequences may result. Excess methylation causes changes in the conformation of the DNA double helix. The secondary structure of DNA is highly dependent upon the sequence. Therefore, if the sequence changes slightly the secondary structure can change as well. These slight changes will then cause the doublestranded DNA to be more open and available in some places where large adductions can come in and react with the DNA base pairs. Computer models have been used to simulate a variety of biological processes including protein function and binding, and there is a growing body of evidence that in silico methods can shed light on DNA methylation. Understanding the anomeric effect that contributes to the structural and conformational flexibility of furanose rings through a combination of quantum mechanical and experimental studies is critical for successful molecular dynamic simulations.
Forecasting risk gene discovery in autism with machine learning and genome-scale data

Genetics has been one of the most powerful windows into the biology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is estimated that a thousand or more genes may confer risk for ASD when functionally perturbed, however, only around 100 genes currently have sufficient evidence to be considered true "autism risk genes". Massive genetic studies are currently underway producing data to implicate additional genes. This approach - although necessary - is costly and slow-moving, making identification of putative ASD risk genes with existing data vital. Here, we approach autism risk gene discovery as a machine learning problem, rather than a genetic association problem, by using genome-scale data as predictors to identify new genes with similar properties to established autism risk genes. This ensemble method, forecASD, integrates brain gene expression, heterogeneous network data, and previous gene-level predictors of autism association into an ensemble classifier that yields a single score indexing evidence of each gene's involvement in the etiology of autism. We demonstrate that forecASD has substantially better performance than previous predictors of autism association in three independent trio-based sequencing studies. Studying forecASD prioritized genes, we show that forecASD is a robust indicator of a gene's involvement in ASD etiology, with diverse applications to gene discovery, differential expression analysis, eQTL prioritization, and pathway enrichment analysis.
Appraisal and social support as moderators between stress and physical and psychological quality of life

One proposed mechanism of social support is the facilitation of primary and secondary reappraisal of stressful situations. The current study examined the expansion of the original stress-buffering hypothesis to include primary or secondary appraisal in an emerging adult population (N = 854) on physical and psychological health outcomes. The additional moderating effects of gender also were examined. Perceived social support (by the Multidimensional Survey of Perceived Social Support) significantly buffered the effects of stress from negative events (by the Risky Behaviour and Stressful Events Scale) on physical and psychological health (by the World Health Organizations Quality of Life Instrument) for females only. Neither primary nor secondary appraisal (by the Stress Appraisal Measure) acted as additional buffers for male or females. Social support may be a more salient buffer for females. Reappraisal mechanisms may have another role in the buffering pathways. Further implications and limitations were discussed.
All the homes

Zillow, an online real estate marketplace that seeks to make information available about "all the homes" in the United States, tells us that "data want to be free”. However, Zillow is an example of information design used to ground big data: to put it in context. I use the word "context" to denote a setting in which data for real estate: current listings, tax assessments, and other digital property records are meant to be fully understood. This paper examines the design of contexts for big data as well as their social and political significance, using Zillow as a case. Zillow was founded in 2006, at the height of the housing bubble. Although practices with real estate have been under scrutiny ever since, the treatment of real estate data has not. I explain how context is used to operationalize data for the housing market through a combination of analytical, discursive, and algorithmic devices. These forms of context are less about establishing the truth of data than a level of tractability for buyers and sellers. Indeed, the context for data is not derived from a neutral retrospective view (i.e. where the data come from). Rather, putting data in context is a matter of connecting them to existing social norms and technological affordances that can support specific uses. Context can enable interpretation and action based on data, but it can also reify the power of a dominant culture. What culture of property does Zillow's context support?
Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Amyloidosis of the Tongue

Amyloidosis of the tongue can result in significant and irreversible alterations of tooth position and function due to prolonged application of imbalanced force on the teeth by the enlarged tongue. Due to the rarity of this oral form of systemic disease, little has been elucidated on management of the resulting impaired oral function. While surgery can address the size of the tongue, it carries significant morbidities, enlargement can recur, and does not address adverse tooth positioning. Prosthetic rehabilitation can more aptly restore oral function but it also needs to be tailored based on the patient's expectations and goals as well as biologic and mechanical parameters of treatment. This report discusses an effective and noninvasive application of a tooth-supported, removable prosthesis with an onlay occlusal design to restore occlusion, speech, and esthetics in a patient with tongue-based amyloidosis.
Improving secure messaging: A framework for support, partnership & information-giving communicating electronically (SPICE).

Abstract Background Patient-centered communication benefits patients and is widely endorsed. However, it is primarily associated with face-to-face contexts, although patients are increasingly using electronic platforms, such as secure messaging in patient portals, to communicate with providers. Purpose Given the popularity of secure messaging and its ability to impact the patient-provider relationship, this study aimed to determine which attributes of patient-centered communication are most desired by cancer patients using secure messaging. Methods A 26 balanced incomplete block design discrete choice experiment was conducted using the best-worst scaling technique. Respondents were asked to select their most and least preferred attributes of two simulated patient-provider exchanges within each of eight choice sets. Results 210 respondents indicated that either level of partnership (high and low) and either level of information-giving (high and low) were most preferred, while response times greater than 24 hours and low levels of support were least favored. Conclusions Similar to face-to-face communication, patients value aspects of patient-centered communication in the secure messaging setting and desire them to be included in provider replies. Practice Implications Patient-centered communication is important to patients using secure messaging. Providers should incorporate SPICE (Support, Partnership, and Information-giving while Communicating Electronically).
Unemployment Insurance Generosity and Crime

Previous studies show that unemployment has a positive effect on crime rates; however, unemployment insurance (UI) benefits could mitigate these effects. Using county-level unemployment and crime data and taking advantage of the UI law changes across states and over time (1990-2016), we provide new evidence that the UI benefits act as a buffer against local labor market shocks. A one-standard-deviation increase in benefits is associated with 2.4% and 1.9% lower property and violent crime rates for a county at average unemployment.
The Idiot as a Tragedy of Unforgiveness

In characterizing The Idiot as a tragedy of unforgiveness, I am offering a new perspective on Nastasya Filippovna and the choices she faces throughout the novel, many of which hinge on Nastasya’s ability to forgive her wrongdoers or herself or both. Nastasya Filippovna’s future depends on her ability to overcome her self-hatred. Keywords : The Idiot, unforgiveness, forgiveness
Patient-Reported Experiences with Dialysis Care and Provider Visit Frequency.

Background and objectives New payment models resulting from the Advancing American Kidney Health initiative may create incentives for nephrologists to focus less on face-to-face in-center hemodialysis visits. This study aimed to understand whether more frequent nephrology practitioner dialysis visits improved patient experience and could help inform future policy. Design, setting, participants, & measurements In a cross-sectional study of patients receiving dialysis from April 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016, we linked patient records from a national kidney failure registry to patient experience data from the In-Center Hemodialysis Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. We used a multivariable mixed effects linear regression model to examine the association between nephrology practitioner visit frequency and patient-reported experiences with nephrologist care. Results Among 5125 US dialysis facilities, 2981 (58%) had ≥30 In-Center Hemodialysis Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys completed between April 2015 and January 2016, and 243,324 patients receiving care within these facilities had Medicare Parts A/B coverage. Face-to-face practitioner visits per month were 71% with four or more visits, 17% with two to three visits, 4% with one visit, and 8% with no visits. Each 10% absolute greater proportion of patients seen by their nephrology practitioner(s) four or more times per month was associated with a modestly but statistically significant lower score of patient experience with nephrologist care by -0.3 points (95% confidence interval, -0.5 to -0.1) and no effect on experience with other domains of dialysis care. Conclusions In an analysis of patient experiences at the dialysis facility level, frequent nephrology practitioner visits to facilities where patients undergo outpatient hemodialysis were not associated with better patient experiences.
Adaptive Measurement of Change: A Novel Method to Reduce Respondent Burden and Detect Significant Individual-Level Change in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Abstract Objective To describe the adaptive measurement of change (AMC) as a means to identify psychometrically significant change in reported function of hospitalized patients and to reduce respondent burden on follow-up assessments. Design The AMC method uses multivariate computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and psychometric hypothesis tests based in item response theory to more efficiently measure intra-individual change using the responses of a single patient over 2 or more testing occasions. Illustrations of the utility of AMC in clinical care and estimates of AMC-based item reduction are provided using the Functional Assessment in Acute Care Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Test (FAMCAT), a newly developed functional multidimensional CAT-based measurement of basic mobility, daily activities, and applied cognition. Setting Two quaternary hospitals in the Upper Midwest. Participants Four hundred ninety-five hospitalized patients who completed the FAMCAT on 2 to 4 occasions during their hospital stay. Intervention N/A. Results Of the 495 patients who completed more than 1 FAMCAT, 72% completed 2 sessions, 13% completed 3, and 15% completed 4, with 22.1%, 23.4%, and 23.0%, respectively, exhibiting significant multivariate change. Use of the AMC in conjunction with the FAMCAT reduced respondent burden from that of the FAMCAT alone for follow-up assessments. On average, when used without the AMC, 22.7 items (range, 20.4-24.4) were administered during FAMCAT sessions. Post hoc analyses determined that when the AMC was used with the FAMCAT a mean±standard deviation reduction in FAMCAT number of items of 13.6 (11.1), 13.1 (9.8), and 18.1 (10.8) would occur during the second, third, and fourth sessions, respectively, which corresponded to a reduction in test duration of 3.0 (2.4), 3.0 (2.8), and 4.7 (2.6) minutes. Analysis showed that the AMC requires no assumptions about the nature of change and provides data that are potentially actionable for patient care. Various patterns of significant univariate and multivariate change are illustrated. Conclusions The AMC method is an effective and parsimonious approach to identifying significant change in patients’ measured CAT scores. The AMC approach reduced FAMCAT sessions by an average of 12.6 items (55%) and 2.9 minutes (53%) among patients with psychometrically significant score changes.
On Medical Academia at Present

A major mission in medical academia should be understood to be the teaching and advancement of the knowledge-base of scientific medicine. But the academia’s success in this mission is seriously in question already on the superficial ground that there now are two, very different, conceptions of the essence of scientific medicine; more to the point, that both of these conceptions are profoundly wrongheaded – as, most notably, neither one of these conceptions involves any role at all for the knowledge-base of practice! This situation is due, in part, to the absence of the kind of critical discourse that in truly progressive academia would be seen to be essential. Fundamental re-orientation in the culture of medical academia is urgently needed.
Isolated limb perfusion for unresectable extremity sarcoma

BACKGROUND: Controversy has surrounded the role of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) for unresectable extremity sarcomas. However, there remains a group of sarcoma patients for whom amputation is the only potential treatment. Because systemic therapies are limited, the authors evaluated ILP in an effort to provide a limb-salvage option. METHODS: Since 1995, patients with unresectable extremity sarcomas were entered in 2 prospective trials using ILP. Study 1 used tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and melphalan in the perfusion circuit at hyperthermic temperatures (39-41°C). Study 2 used doxorubicin at normothermic temperatures. All ILPs were performed using the standard, previously described technique. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were entered into study 1; there were 10 (58%) partial responses, 1 (6%) near complete response (CR), 1 (6%) CR, and 5 (30%) no response/minor response. Fourteen patients died of their disease, with a median follow-up of 17 months. Seven (41%) patients maintained their limb intact until the time of death. Twelve patients were entered into study 2; there were no partial or CRs and 2 (20%) minor responses. With a median follow-up of 35 months, there are 3 patients alive (2 with their extremity intact and 1 with an amputation). Six patients developed myonecrosis with creatine phosphokinase levels up to 54,000 U/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Although doxorubicin is active systemically, TNF and melphalan appear to have greater activity and less toxicity during ILP. Future clinical trials are needed to clearly identify the role for ILP in patients with unresectable extremity sarcomas. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Fading broadcast channels with state information at the receivers

Despite considerable progress, the capacity region of fading broadcast channels with channel state known at the receivers but unknown at the transmitter remains unresolved. We address this subject by introducing a layered erasure broadcast channel model in which each component channel has a state that specifies the received signal levels in an instance of a deterministic binary expansion channel. We find the capacity region of this class of broadcast channels. The capacity achieving strategy assigns each signal level to the user that derives the maximum weighted expected rate. The outer bound is based on a channel enhancement that creates a degraded broadcast channel for which the capacity region is known. This same approach is then used to find inner and outer bounds to the capacity region of fading Gaussian broadcast channels. The achievability scheme employs a superposition of binary inputs. For intermittent additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels and for Rayleigh fading channels, the achievable rates are observed to be within 1-2 bits of the outer bound at high SNR. We also prove that the achievable rate region is within 6.386 bits/s/Hz of the capacity region for all fading AWGN broadcast channels.
Automatic reading of bilingual typewritten test

Automatic test reading is an area of research in applied pattern recognition whose ultimate goal is to enhance the process of data entry. The authors describe a recognition system for the automatic reading of bilingual (Arabic/English) text. The presence of Arabic writing in a text imposes a great difficulty on the recognition process due to the cursiveness inherent in the Arabic script. The recognition system is developed based on a combined statistical/structural approach. A segmentation algorithm has been developed to resolve the cursiveness problem. A multistage classifier is used in the recognition phase. The system is software-based using a microcomputer (286 processor) and a binary scanner as the input device. The recognition rate reached is 99%. >
Phycobilins of cryptophycean algae. Occurrence of dihydrobiliverdin and mesobiliverdin in cryptomonad biliproteins.

Structures of the open-chain tetrapyrrole (bilin) prosthetic groups of the cryptophycean biliproteins phycocyanin 645 (Cr-PC 645; from strain UW374), phycoerythrin 566 (Cr-PE 566; from strain Bermani) and phycoerythrin 545 (Cr-PE 545; from Proteomonas sulcata Hill & Wetherbee) were examined by absorption, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. These biliproteins carry the following covalently attached bilins: Cr-PC 645 (alpha subunit) has one mesobiliverdin, (beta subunit), two phycocyanobilins and a doubly linked 15,16-dihydrobiliverdin; Cr-PC 566 (alpha), bilin 584, (beta), phycoerythrobilin and two bilin 584 chromophores (Wedemayer, G.J., Wemmer, D.E., and Glazer, A.N. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 4731-4741); Cr-PE 545 (alpha) has one 15,16-dihydrobiliverdin and (beta), only phycoerythrobilins. This is the first report of naturally occurring biliproteins carrying either 15,16-dihydrobiliverdin or mesobiliverdin chromophores. Native cryptomonad phycobiliproteins have been classified on the basis of the position of their long wavelength absorption maxima. However, comparison of the bilins of Cr-PE 566 from strain Bermani with those of Cr-PE 566 of strain CBD shows that the two proteins carry different bilins on the alpha subunit. Consequently, the identity of the bilin prosthetic groups on cryptophycean phycobiliproteins cannot be unambiguously inferred from simple inspection of the visible absorption spectra.
Measurement of Dijet Azimuthal Decorrelations in p{bar p} Collisions

Correlations in the azimuthal angle between the two largest transverse momentum jets have been measured using the DO detector in collisions at . The analysis is based on an inclusive dijet event sample in the central rapidity region corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 150 pb-1. Azimuthal correlations are stronger at larger transverse momenta. These are well-described in NLO pQCD, except at large azimuthal differences where soft effects are significant.
Approximating Points by a Piecewise Linear Function: I

We study the problem of approximating a set of weighted planar points by a step function, and the problems of approximating non-weighted and weighted planar points by a (more general) piecewise linear function. We either improve the previously best-known results or give the first-known results for these problems. Our algorithms are based on interesting and nontrivial geometric techniques and data structures, which may find other applications. Further, we present the first-known results for the 3-D versions of the step function approximation problem.
Towards Using Structural Events To Assess Non-native Speech

We investigated using structural events, e.g., clause and disfluency structure, from transcriptions of spontaneous non-native speech, to compute features for measuring speaking proficiency. Using a set of transcribed audio files collected from the TOEFL Practice Test Online (TPO), we conducted a sophisticated annotation of structural events, including clause boundaries and types, as well as disfluencies. Based on words and the annotated structural events, we extracted features related to syntactic complexity, e.g., the mean length of clause (MLC) and dependent clause frequency (DEPC), and a feature related to disfluencies, the interruption point frequency per clause (IPC). Among these features, the IPC shows the highest correlation with holistic scores (r = -0.344). Furthermore, we increased the correlation with human scores by normalizing IPC by (1) MLC (r = -0.386), (2) DEPC (r = -0.429), and (3) both (r = -0.462). In this research, the features derived from structural events of speech transcriptions are found to predict holistic scores measuring speaking proficiency. This suggests that structural events estimated on speech word strings provide a potential way for assessing non-native speech.
Potato Spindle Tuber

Of all plant diseases now known to be caused by viroids, the potato spindle tuber disease was the first to be recognized and studied by plant pathologists. Also, it was during efforts to purify a putative virus from potato spindle tuber-affected plants that the aberrant properties of the causative agent were recognized, the first viroid isolated, and the viroid concept developed. Thus, the potato spindle tuber disease truly represents the prototype of all viroid diseases.
FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF LIPIDS FROM STREPTOCOCCUS CREMORIS AND STREPTOCOCCUS LACTIS VAR. MALTIGENES

Abstract MacLeod, Patricia (University of Connecticut, Storrs) and Joseph P. Brown. Fatty acid composition of lipids from Streptococcus cremoris and Streptococcus lactis var. maltigenes. J. Bacteriol. 85:1056–1060. 1963.—A method for the extraction of lipids from bacterial cells, involving grinding in a ball mill, is described. Cells of Streptococcus lactis var. maltigenes and S. cremoris yielded 5.3 and 5.5%, respectively, of their dry cellular weights as lipid. The lipids of both organisms were separated into three fractions by thin-layer chromatography. Two of these fractions have been classified: one fraction containing phospho- and perhaps glycolipids and the other containing triglycerides. The unidentified fraction was probably either mono- or diglyceride in nature. The fatty acid composition of the total lipid as well as that of each of the separated lipid components from the two lactic strains were compared.
Security-quality aware routing for wireless multimedia sensor networks using secret sharing

Security and video quality are progressively significant attributes for wireless multimedia sensor networks. Most of existing research considers security and video quality separately. However, it is crucial to integrate security and video quality together for video transmission because delivering video data across a secure path does not often meet video quality requirements in many traditional approaches. Applying the general concept of secret sharing algorithm on a data packet and delivering it through disjoint multipaths can be considered to deliver the data securely. However, using the general concept of secret sharing is not efficient when large-size video data are routed. To tackle these issues, we propose a novel security and quality aware routing SQAR protocol to address these two issues concurrently. We jointly consider security and video quality in wireless multimedia networks by proposing a video distortion model based on a new secret image sharing scheme. In SQAR, a secret image sharing is only applied on the intra-frames of the video codec H.264 and can significantly reduce the transmission overheads. Simulation results show that SQAR scheme can achieve better trade-off between the security and quality over the traditional routing protocols. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid electrically conductive polyaniline/polyurethane foams

Electrically conductive polyaniline/polyurethane foams were prepared. The DC conductivity of the composite prepared at pH = 0.505 is about 0.9 S/cm. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 893–897, 2001
Sexual tourism: implications for travelers and the destination culture

Health care providers in a variety of settings need to improve their ability--along with the capabilities of supporting laboratories, surveillance systems, and services for sex partner management--to diagnose and treat STI. Whether the travel health care sector, as such, is willing to take on the additional burden of STI-related screening and risk reduction counseling has been raised by some authors. Currently, the burden of providing formalized STI care falls on the public sector; however, in the United States, most STI are actually diagnosed in the offices of private physicians. Given that the United States has the highest STI rates of any industrialized country, the undeniable synergy between STI and HIV acquisition, the failure of many American providers to screen for C trachomatis despite clear guidelines, the global resurgence of syphilis and extension of resistant N gonorrhoeae and of HIV, and the risk behaviors consistently reported by travelers, it is hard to argue against travel specialists' joining the daunting battle against these recalcitrant infections and their often devastating consequences. Most of the relevant diagnostic tests are relatively affordable, and patient-centered risk-reduction counseling, once mastered, can be brief and easily integrated into the overall conversation about protecting oneself during travel.
Virus-lymphoid cell interactions.

Suppression of the immune system was first documented 88 years ago by Clement von Pirquet (4) who observed that the tuberculin skin test of immune individuals was depressed during the course of acute MV infection from just prior to the rash until 1–2 months or more following its appearance. Although transiently depressed, the degree of immune suppression was sufficiently severe that prior to the discovery of corticosteroids, MV was used therapeutically to treat autoimmune nephrotic syndrome (5). Furthermore, this suppression of immune function has long been appreciated as a major cause for the high mortality of currently over 1 million deaths per year and morbidity of currently over 40 million cases per year from MV infection (6, 7). These observations are firm, as is previous research documenting that MV infects cells of the immune system (8–16), interferes with cellular and humoral immune responses and lymphoid proliferation (for reviews see refs. 1 and 17–20) and causes cell cycle arrest in late G1 of infected T and B lymphocytes (21–23), but does not shut down protein synthesis of infected cells (23–26). However the mechanism(s) and molecules involved in the initiation and maintenance of this process have been poorly understood. The paper by Schlender et al. …
Effect of sensory stimuli on the activity of dopaminergic neurons: Involvement of non-dopaminergic nigral neurons and striato-nigral pathways

Abstract Single unit recording techniques were used to study the effects of sciatic nerve stimulation on the activity of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons in the rat substantia nigra. The stimulation-induced changes in zona compacta dopaminergic neuron activity usually consisted of an initial inhibitory period followed by one or more oscillations between excitation and inhibition. These oscillations were attenuated by parenterally administered haloperidol or by a lesion which destroyed striato-nigral pathways. The initial inhibitory period was decreased by haloperidol and increased by the lesion. Non-dopaminergic zona reticulata neurons responded to stimulation with an initial excitation which had a latency similar to the latency of the initial inhibition of dopaminergic neurons. These results, when combined with previously published data, suggest that sensory stimuli may induce an initial inhibition of dopaminergic neurons, at least in part, through excitation of an inhibitory non-dopaminergic zona reticulata neuron. The subsequent oscillations appear to be mediated through reciprocal striato-nigral, nigro-striatal pathways.
Stabilization and activation of p53 are regulated independently by different phosphorylation events

Treatment of mouse or human cells with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors H7 or bisindolylmaleimide I induced an increase in the lifetime of p53, leading to its accumulation. In inhibitor-treated cells, p53 translocated to the nuclei and bound to DNA but was not competent to induce transcription. However, transactivation could be induced by subsequent DNA damage. Phorbol ester, a potent activator of PKC, significantly inhibited the accumulation of p53 after DNA damage. Therefore, constitutive PKC-dependent phosphorylation of p53 itself, or of a protein that interacts with p53, is required for the rapid degradation of p53 in untreated cells. Furthermore, an increase in the lifetime of p53 is not accompanied necessarily by its activation. Treatment with the PKC inhibitors decreased the overall level of p53 phosphorylation but led to the appearance of a phosphopeptide not seen in tryptic digests of p53 from untreated cells. Therefore, the lifetime and activities of p53 are likely to be regulated by distinct alterations of the phosphorylation pattern of p53, probably caused by the actions of different kinases.
Study of Employee Carsharing on the University Campus

AbstractThis manuscript analyzes personal and carsharing consumption characteristics of alternative commuters of the same university in Los Angeles, California. The paper finds that: (1) one can achieve a reasonably high carsharing rate among university employees, particularly employees commuting by alternative modes other than driving alone, female employees, and employees whose income is lower than the median income of all the employees; (2) university employees’ participation rate in the carsharing program is lower than the students’ and thus, the latter contributes more to the existing argument that a university campus is a niche market for carsharing; (3) commuter benefits are not only correlated to the employee participation rate of a carsharing program, but also to the behavior of the participants: their frequency and quantity of carsharing consumption and when to carshare; (4) free hours do not necessarily increase the carsharing consumption of employee carsharers who are eligible for these hours;...
A study of the medical history of stuttering children

(1938). A study of the medical history of stuttering children. Speech Monographs: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 97-114.
Constructing the free erection of a geometry

Abstract The set of all erections of a given geometry is a lattice for the geometric weak map order, whose largest element is called the free erection. An algorithm is described for effectively constructing the free erection of any geometry G , and for determining whether a given flat of G is essential.
Edward McGuire's influence in the field of stress urinary incontinence and bladder storage symptoms.

Aims Dr. Edward McGuire's academic career spans four decades. His impact in our field of female urology and urodynamics is reflected by the many residents and fellows he has trained that are now academic leaders in our subspecialty. For this festschrift, my goals are to: (1) review the history of the surgical approaches to alleviate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (2) discuss recent research in SUI and bladder storage symptoms and the influence of Dr. McGuire in these areas and (3) propose a paradigm shift in the understanding of the function of the bladder urothelium from providing barrier function to providing afferent input that affects bladder storage function. Methods A literature review of the publications related to SUI and bladder storage symptoms was performed. Using Thompson Reuters ISI Web of Knowledge, the two most cited papers by Dr. McGuire are discussed. Results Dr. McGuire's two most cited publications are related to valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) and the utility of the American Urologic Association Symptom Index (AUASI). These two instruments, one objective and one subjective, address two canonical areas in our subspecialty: 1. role of urethral function in continence and 2. pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms. These two areas continue today to be fertile areas for research and creativity. Recent investigations have proposed that bladder urothelium may play a role in bladder afferent function; thus mediating bladder storage. Conclusions Dr. McGuire helped establish the scientific foundation for our subspecialty. His influence remains pertinent today as it ever has. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:S32–S35, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Feedback from our readers

ABM: Yes or No? by Donald Brennan, William O. Douglas, Leon Johnson, George S. McGovern, Jerome Wiesner, with an introduction by Hubert H. Humphrey (Santa Barbara, Calif.; Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions, 1969). American Scientists and Nuclear Weapons Policy by Robert Gilpin (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1965). Debate the Antiballissic Mis.rile edited by Eugene Rablnowitch and Ruth Adams (Chicago: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, 1967).
Theoretical results for intensity-dependent spread functions

Previous work has shown that the theory of intensity-dependent spread functions (IDS) predicts many phenomena in human vision. However, IDS, being a nonlinear system, is difficult to work with. Theoretical results applicable primarily to inputs composed of regions of constant intensity are presented. In these cases, the work here shows that the output reduces to a sum of convolutions. The convolutions have several useful geometric interpretations, and they explicitly show how IDS adjusts its resolution according to local intensities. If the input contains only two intensities, e.g., bars, disks, or square waves, it is proved that the output is a constant plus the convolution of the input and a parameterized bandpass filter. For a Gaussian spread function this becomes the difference-of-Gaussians filter but with scale factors that adjust automatically to the input intensities. Bounds on the step output are set, and it is proved that IDS is a stable system. All results are exact.