cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-objective Exploration for Practical Optimization Decisions in Binary Translation

In the design of mobile systems, hardware/software (HW/SW) co-design has important advantages by creating specialized hardware for the performance or power optimizations. Dynamic binary translation (DBT) is a key component in co-design. During the translation, a dynamic optimizer in the DBT system applies various software optimizations to improve the quality of the translated code. With dynamic optimization, optimization time is an exposed run-time overhead and useful analyses are often restricted due to their high costs. Thus, a dynamic optimizer needs to make smart decisions with limited analysis information, which complicates the design of optimization decision models and often causes failures in human-made heuristics. In mobile systems, this problem is even more challenging because of strict constraints on computing capabilities and memory size.To overcome the challenge, we investigate an opportunity to build practical optimization decision models for DBT by using machine learning techniques. As the first step, loop unrolling is chosen as the representative optimization. We base our approach on the industrial strength DBT infrastructure and conduct evaluation with 17,116 unrollable loops collected from 200 benchmarks and real-life programs across various domains. By utilizing all available features that are potentially important for loop unrolling decision, we identify the best classification algorithm for our infrastructure with consideration for both prediction accuracy and cost. The greedy feature selection algorithm is then applied to the classification algorithm to distinguish its significant features and cut down the feature space. By maintaining significant features only, the best affordable classifier, which satisfies the budgets allocated to the decision process, shows 74.5% of prediction accuracy for the optimal unroll factor and realizes an average 20.9% reduction in dynamic instruction count during the steady-state translated code execution. For comparison, the best baseline heuristic achieves 46.0% prediction accuracy with an average 13.6% instruction count reduction. Given that the infrastructure is already highly optimized and the ideal upper bound for instruction reduction is observed at 23.8%, we believe this result is noteworthy.
How Radical Environmental Sabotage Impacts US Elections

ABSTRACTIn this paper we examine the impact of forceful or violent environmental sabotage (FVES) on U.S. elections. We argue that voters see ideological similarities between groups that engage in F...
Event-related potential and behavioural differences in affective self-referential processing in long-term meditators versus controls

Contemplative practices are thought to modify one's experience of self and fundamentally change self-referential processing. However, few studies have examined the brain correlates of self-referential processing in long-term meditators. Here, we used the self-referential encoding task (SRET) to examine event-related potentials (ERP) during assessment of pleasant and unpleasant self-views in long-term meditators versus age-matched meditation-naive control participants. Compared with controls, meditators endorsed significantly more pleasant and fewer unpleasant words as self-referential. We also found a between-group difference in the early component of the late-positive-potential (LPP) of the ERP characterized by a larger response to unpleasant versus pleasant words in controls and no difference in meditators. A cross-sectional design, such as the one used in the present study, has certain caveats like self-selectivity bias. If such caveats did not affect our results, these findings suggest that a long-term contemplative lifestyle, of which meditation training is an integral part, alters self-referential processing towards a more adaptive view of self and neural equivalence towards pleasant and unpleasant self-views. These findings suggest that long-term meditation training may affect brain and behavioural mechanism that support a more flexible and healthy relationship to one's self.
A Two-Stage Algorithm for Optimal Scheduling of Battery Energy Storage Systems for Peak-Shaving

Increased penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) with intermittent and variable power output has led to increased use of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid applications. This paper presents a two-stage algorithm for optimal energy scheduling of BESS interfaced with RES. Initially, a multivariate linear regression-based estimation of voltages, currents, and network active power loss is performed using a synthetic dataset generated from the network model. Thereafter, a linear programming (LP) formulation is used to determine the output power of the BESS aimed at maximum peak-shaving and valley-filling, based on predicted day-ahead net demand and solar photovoltaic (PV) output. BESS technical and experimental constraints are considered in the model for an improved lifetime of the batteries. Compared to nonlinear approaches, the linearized model would reduce computational complexity and time, while maintaining reasonable accuracy. The linear programming model is solved using MATLAB, and the proposed algorithm is implemented on a real-world distribution feeder modeled in OpenDSS. The results show a significant reduction in peak demand, net demand variation range, and voltage variability caused by intermittent PV output.
On interfacial viscosity in nanochannels.

Capillary driven transport of liquids in nanoscopic channels is an omnipresent phenomenon in nature and technology including fluid flow in the human body and plants, drug delivery, nanofluidic devices, and energy/water systems. However, the kinetics of this mass transport mechanism remains in question as the well-known Lucas–Washburn (LW) model predicts significantly faster flow rates compared to the experimental observations. We here showed the role of interfacial viscosity in capillary motion slowdown in nanochannels through a combination of experimental, analytical and molecular dynamics techniques. We showed that the slower liquid flow is due to the formation of a thin liquid layer adjacent to the channel walls with a viscosity substantially greater than the bulk liquid. By incorporating the effect of the interfacial layer, we presented a theoretical model that accurately predicts the capillarity kinetics in nanochannels of different heights. Non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the obtained interfacial viscosities. The viscosities of isopropanol and ethanol within the interfacial layer were 9.048 mPa s and 4.405 mPa s, respectively (i.e. 279% and 276% greater than their bulk values). We also showed that the interfacial layers are 6.4 nm- and 5.3 nm-thick for isopropanol and ethanol, respectively.
Alteration of Blood Brain Barrier during Cuprizone-Induced Neuroinflammation using multi-tracers with PET: [68Ga]EDTA, [11C](R)PK11195, and [11C]DPA713

342 Objectives: Radiotracers that bind to TSPO are frequently used as a measure of neuroinflammation and obtaining accurate estimates is an important consideration in understanding neurodegenerative diseases. However, alteration of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) may affect the uptake rate and therefore confound the measurement. In this study, we tested the changes of influx rate (K1) to changes in the levels of neuroinflammation using the curprizone rat model that is a well-known animal model for multiple sclerosis. Methods: Six male SD rats were fed with curpizone, that is known to lead to oligodendrocyte death with subsequent reversible demyelination. Dynamic 60-min scans with [68Ga]EDTA (EDTA), [11C](R)PK11195 (PK) and [11C]DPA713 (DPA) were performed at baseline and then again at 4 to 6 weeks after initiation of curprizone chow. EDTA images were analyzed to quantify influx rate (K1) and distribution volume (VT) using one a compartment model and vena cava to determine image-derived input function (IDIF). PK and DPA images were analyzed using Logan graphical model with IDIF to measure VT. Results: Good correlation of the values of VT between PK and DPA was found at both time points tested: 0.82 (p=0.05) at baseline, and 0.91 (p=0.01) at week 4-6. In addition, a ~30% increase in uptake was evident for both tracers as a result of cuprizone treatment. The mean of PK-VT was 0.93±0.27 at baseline and 1.27±0.47 at 4-6 weeks with p=0.1. The mean of DPA-VT was 0.65±0.29 at baseline and 0.91±0.21 at 4-6 weeks with p=0.05. EDTA PET imaging showed a significant increase in K1at week 6 (0.07±0.01 at baseline and 0.14±0.01 at week 6; p=0.001) however no significant difference in VT (p=0.1). Conclusions: Our data show that neuroinflammation induced by the copper chelator cuprizone resulted in a significant increase in the uptake of both [11C](R)PK11195 and [11C]DPA713. The EDTA demonstrated a significant change in influx rate during cuprizone-induced neuroinflammation which may be attributed to changes in the BBB permeability, but may also be a result of changes in blood flow.
Periscope sandwich stenting as an alternative to open cervical revascularization of left subclavian artery during zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

Abstract Objective Revascularization of the left subclavian artery (LSA) during zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) maintains collateral circulation to decrease ischemic complications, including stroke, spinal cord ischemia, and upper extremity ischemia. Both open surgical and endovascular LSA revascularization techniques have been described, each with unique risks and benefits. We describe our “periscope sandwich” technique for the LSA during zone 2 TEVAR, which maintains antegrade access to the distal abdominal aorta if subsequent interventions are necessary. Technical results and short-term outcomes are compared with LSA open surgical debranching. Methods A single-institution retrospective review was performed for patients requiring zone 2 TEVAR with LSA revascularization by periscope sandwich technique or open surgical debranching with subclavian to carotid transposition (SCT) or carotid-subclavian bypass (CSB). The presenting aortic disease and perioperative details were recorded. Intraoperative angiography and postoperative computed tomography images were reviewed for occurrence of endoleak and branch patency. Results Between January 2013 and December 2018, the LSA was revascularized by periscope sandwich in 18 patients, SCT in 22 patients, and CSB in 13 patients. Compared with open surgical debranching, periscope sandwich had a lower median estimated blood loss (100 mL vs 200 mL for pooled SCT and CSB; P = .03) and lower median case duration (133.5 minutes vs 226 minutes; P Conclusions LSA periscope sandwich technique provides safe and effective LSA revascularization during zone 2 TEVAR. LSA periscope sandwich can be used emergently with off-the-shelf endovascular components and facilitates future branched-fenestrated endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic diseases.
Laser-interference pulse number dependence of surface chemistry and sub-surface microstructure of AA2024-T3 alloy

Abstract The laser-based treatment of a metal surface is an intrinsically non-chemical technique that can alter both the topology and chemistry of surfaces. A laser-based treatment for coating and joining applications can offer alternative surface preparations to the chemically-based surface preparation techniques, which are subject to severe environmental protection and hazardous-waste management considerations. In this study, the surface chemistry and sub-surface microstructural changes are investigated for a novel surface processing method using laser interferometry produced by two beams of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The two-beam laser-interference allowed the structuring of the surface at length scales much less than that of the laser beam spot. Surface chemistry changes in the oxide layer of AA 2024-T3 aluminum alloy rolled sheet due to laser processing were investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Near surface microstructural changes have been investigated with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) as a function of number of interfering laser shots. SEM microstructure pictures of the top surface shows the minimization of surface defects, as all of the sharp features from a rolled sheet surface were smoothed by laser-structuring. STEM images indicate that the laser-interference processing reduced the formation of CuMn-rich precipitates over a 500–800 nm depth from the top surface. XPS data indicated that the Al oxide layer is modified compared to that of the baseline specimen and that the oxide thickness increases with the number of shots per spot. The additional thicker oxide on Al alloys is expected to increase the corrosion resistance of the coated Al 2024.
Assessment of AI to quantitatively assess disease in PET/CT as compared to a human observer

508 Objectives: To further evaluate the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained to identify breast CA in 18F-FDG PET-CT studies and assess the auto-generated quantitative metrics generated by the CNN to those of a human observer. The ultimate performance of an artificial intelligence driven image analysis system will lie not only in its ability to identify areas of disease, but to accurately quantitatively assess these regions as well. Methods: This work builds upon previously reported work (1, 2) in which we used 53 baseline PET/CT studies from an IRB-approved multi-institutional clinical trial of breast CA to train a CNN to automatically identify and label FDG avid tissue into one of 13 tissue classes. These included 10 classes of tissue expressing normal FDG avidity, e.g. brain, kidney, bladder, etc., and 3 classes of disease tissue, i.e. primary lesion, lymphadenopathy, and other metastasis. In addition to these classes, the system was also trained to identify air, nominal activity and reference activity (within the liver). Using this trained network, we then processed 67 baseline PET/CT studies taken from an entirely different IRB-approved multi-institutional clinical trial of breast CA to generate voxel-based tissue classification maps. These maps were then transformed into volumes-of-interest which were used to take quantitative measurements of disease from the images, including MAX-SUV and PEAK-SUV. Results: Sixty-seven baseline PET/CT studies were processed using the previously trained CNN to detect areas of Breast CA. Manual disease localization and quantification by a trained reader identified lesions in 60 of the 67 studies where lesion avidity could be threshold-defined by using the mean + 2 SDs of a reference region measured in the liver, whereas the CNN identified localized disease in 64 of the 67 studies. Of the 60 studies identified by manual review, the CNN identified the identical lesion and measured the same MAX-SUL with a tolerance of +/- 5% in 55 (92%) of the cases, and within a tolerance of +/- 10% in 56 (93%) of the cases. For these same studies, the identical PEAK-SUV measurement was made within +/- 5% of the manually derived value in 56 (93%) of the cases, and within +/- 10% of the manually measured value in 58 (97%) of the cases. Of the 7 cases in which the manual observer was unable to threshold-define a measurable lesion, the CNN was able to accurately identify and measure 4 lesions; in two it mis-classified tissue and in 1 it failed to identify any disease. Conclusions: Systems based on artificial intelligence are beginning to find their way through a variety of avenues into the practice of molecular imaging, as well as medical imaging as a whole. These systems promise increased efficiency and accuracy in the interpretation and evaluation of medical images. To fulfill these promises, careful and thoughtful analysis of the performance of these networks is needed to help guide future developments as well as to assess where their true value lies as an assistant to the molecular imaging practitioner.
Perceived COVID-19 health threat increases psychological distress among Black Americans

The present study used data from the American Trends Panel to examine the interplay between the perceived COVID-19 health threat, discriminatory beliefs in medical settings, and psychological distress among Black Americans. We measured psychological distress as an average of five items modified from two established scales and used self-reports of perceived COVID-19 health threat and beliefs about discrimination in medical settings as focal predictors. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine these relationships. Holding all else constant, we found that perceived COVID-19 health threat and the belief that Black Americans face racial discrimination in medical settings were both positively and significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress. We also found a significant perceived COVID-19 health threat by belief about discrimination in medical settings interaction in the full model. Future studies should assess how these relationships vary across age groups and over time.
Acute pancreatitis in children: a review with clinical perspectives to enhance imaging interpretation

Pediatric acute pancreatitis has distinct etiologic, clinical and prognostic characteristics in contrast to the adult form of the disease. This review offers a comprehensive imaging update that emphasizes the importance of recognizing specific findings that are relevant from the clinical standpoint. Knowledge of these features facilitates communication among multidisciplinary team members and ultimately could lead to the improved care of pediatric acute pancreatitis patients.
Streams of Song: The Landscape of Christian Spirituality in North America

As the twenty-first century unfolds, the landscape of congregational song in North America is varied and rich. Never before have congregations had such diversity of congregational song from which to choose. This chapter examines the variety of congregational song in North America in terms of the spiritual source or piety of songs. The result is seven streams of song that reflect the broad range of Christian spirituality in North America. These streams run at different rates, are filled with crosscurrents, and at times crisscross each other. Each has a particular constellation of theological emphases. Although each congregation has its heart song—the stream or streams that most naturally express the sung piety of its corporate worship (usually one or two streams), I encourage congregations in the twenty-first century to embrace more streams in order to broaden the theological breadth of their sung faith. Congregations in this age may benefit from singing from four or five streams of song over the course of a month, broadening their theological understanding. This practice will also challenge the prevailing soundscape of musical styles in worship, a soundscape that reflects an increasingly diverse faith.
Sustainability-informed maintenance optimization of highway bridges considering multi-attribute utility and risk attitude

Abstract Throughout their service life, highway bridges deteriorate due to increasing traffic loads and aggressive environmental conditions. Aging of materials can have significant effects on the structural performance of highway bridges. A comprehensive risk assessment procedure is crucial in evaluating and ultimately mitigating detrimental consequences of structural failure to the economy, society, and the environment. The proposed sustainability-based maintenance optimization decision-support framework provides decision makers with optimal life-cycle maintenance actions that balance conflicting objectives. Utility theory is employed herein in order to effectively capture the sustainability performance of highway bridges and impact of the decision maker’s risk attitude. The main objective of this framework is to reduce the extent of the consequences of structural failure to the economy, society, and the surrounding environment. The capabilities of the proposed approach are demonstrated on an existing highway bridge.
Security in Distributed Computing: Did You Lock the Door?

Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction. I. UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM. 1. "Computing Security" A Business Issue. Business Drivers. Business Issues. Summary. 2. Distributed Security Challenges. Stories. Security Issues. The Top Ten List. Conclusions. II. FOUNDATIONS. 3. Computing Security Basics. What is Security? Trust-What Is It? Trust-Why Do We Need It? Summary. 4. Security Architecture. Foundation. Trust. Control. Summary. 5. Foundations. Principles. Security Policy Framework. Security Criteria. Summary. 6. Security Policy. Security Policy Framework. Example of a Policy. The Process of Creating Policies. Summary. III. TECHNOLOGIES. 7. The Network. A Tale of Two Networks. Systems Network Architecture. Introducing TCP/IP. SNA versus TCP/IP Security. Conclusions. 8. Network Operating Systems. About Network Operating Systems? Issues Surrounding NOS Implementations. Conclusions. 9. Client/Server and Middleware. Client/Server. Middleware. Enabling Technology. Distributed Objects. Things to Watch Out For. Summary. 10. UNIX Security. Why has UNIX Such a Bad Reputation for Security? UNIX Security. Typical Abuses. Conclusions. 11. More UNIX Security. UNIX Network Services. A Burglar's Tools. Conclusions. 12. UNIX Solutions. Control Monitors. Conclusions. 13. Windows NT Security. Security Controls. Networking. Conclusions. 14. The Internet. What is the Internet? Internet Firewall. Conclusions. 15. Cryptography. Private Key Encryption. Public Key Encryption. Encryption Issues. Digital Signature. Summary. 16. The DCE Environment. What is DCE? Concerns about DCE. Conclusions. 17. DCE Security Concepts. DCE Authentication. Authorization. Is DCE Bulletproof? Conclusions. 18. Distributed Database. What is a RDBMS? Different Models to Enable Applications. Issues Surrounding RDBMS. What is a Data Warehouse? Conclusions. 19. On-Line Transaction Processing. What Is a Transaction? Components of a Transaction Processing System. The Top Five List. Summary. IV. SOLVING THE PROBLEM. 20. Secure Applications. Concepts. System Development Life Cycle. Summary. 21. Implementation Examples. Electronic Mail. Lotus Notes. What's Next. Summary. 22. Security Management. System Management. Network Management. Conclusions. 23. Developing a Security Strategy. A Security Strategy. The Security Strategy Roadmap. Conclusions. 24. Auditing. What Is an Audit? What Role Should Audit Play? Sample Criteria for a UNIX Audit. The Basics of Computer Auditing. Expanding the Focus. Other Types of Audits. Conclusions. 25. The Future. Appendix A. Strong Authentication. Appendix B. Smart Cards. Appendix C. Personal Computer Security. Viruses. Personal Computer Access Controls. How Far Should Security Be Extended? Conclusions. Appendix D. Remote Access. Glossary. References. Index.
The index theory on non-compact manifolds with proper group action

Abstract We construct a regularized index of a generalized Dirac operator on a complete Riemannian manifold endowed with a proper action of a unimodular Lie group. We show that the index is preserved by a certain class of non-compact cobordisms and prove a gluing formula for the regularized index. The results of this paper generalize our previous construction of index for compact group action and the recent paper of Hochs and Mathai who studied the case of a Hamiltonian action on a symplectic manifold. As an application of the cobordism invariance of the index we give an affirmative answer to a question of Hochs and Mathai about the independence of the Hochs–Mathai quantization of the metric, connection and other choices.
PROLINE OXIDASES IN HANSENULA SUBPELLICULOSA

Ling, Chung-Mei (Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago), and L. R. Hedrick. Proline oxidases in Hansenula subpelliculosa. J. Bacteriol. 87:1462-1470. 1964-Cells of Hansenula subpelliculosa can use l-proline as a carbon and a nitrogen source after a 6- to 8-hr induction period. However, they cannot use l-glutamate as both nitrogen and carbon sources unless the induction period is of several days' duration. Two l-proline oxidases were demonstrated in the mitochondrial preparation of this yeast. One forms the product Delta'-pyrroline-2-carboxylic acid (P2C), which is in equilibrium with alpha-keto-delta-amino-valeric acid; the other forms the product Delta'-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C), which is in equilibrium with glutamic-gamma-semialdehyde. The first-mentioned enzyme is induced when l-proline is the carbon source; the second appears to be constitutive, and is probably associated with the use of l-proline as a nitrogen source. The P2C-forming enzyme is specific for the l isomer of proline, and is inactive against l-hydroxyproline. The enzyme activity is at its peak when the mitochondria are prepared from logarithmically grown cells, and is rapidly reduced after cells reach the stationary phase of growth. Kinetic studies with varying concentrations of substrate indicate a Michaelis-Menten constant of 2.45 x 10(-2)m. Paper chromatographic studies, chemical tests with H(2)O(2), sensitivity to freezing, and spectral measurements indicate that proline oxidase from H. subpelliculosa mitochondria forms a product from l-proline which is like, if not identical to, P2C formed by the action of sheep kidney d-proline oxidase upon dl-proline. The soluble portion of the cell extract contains NAD(+) enzymes which use either P2C (alpha-keto-delta-amino-valeric acid) or P5C (glutamic-gamma-semialdehyde) as substrates. No glutamic dehydrogenase activity could be detected when l-glutamic acid and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) cofactor were added to the supernatant solution with the yeast enzymes. The presence of a dehydrogenase NAD(+) enzyme for activity with P2C (alpha-keto-delta-amino-valeric acid) has not been previously reported.
Semantic web surveys and applications

The primary purpose of a scientific journal is to be a service to the research community. It is up to the editors-in-chief and the editorial board to assess the needs of the community, and to tailor the journal in such a way that it addresses these needs as closely as possible. It is for this reason that the Semantic Web journal publishes more than original research papers. In the last editorial [2], we discussed why it is fruitful for the Semantic Web community to have a forum for publications on tools and systems with high impact, and the last issue of the journal contained a collection of reports on some of the finest and most well-known Semantic Web tools currently available. The present issue contains three surveys and one application paper. The surveys are responses to a special call which we issued in fall 2010, asking for abstracts first. Out of 37 submitted abstracts, we selected those which were most promising in addressing current and future needs of the Semantic Web community. It was only 6 for which we strongly encouraged the authors to write a full survey. Three of the resulting surveys are presented in this issue. The quality we expect from survey articles is indeed very high,1 We expect them to be well-written and structured, comprehensive, and with a balanced presentation and coverage. They must be accessible to readers who are not dedicated specialists on the survey’s topic. The covered material must be of timely importance to the broader Semantic Web community. Finally, a survey must provide a classification of the presented work that supports the reader in understanding the commonalities and differences between the reviewed approaches. In other words, surveys for the Se-
SPICE ISLAND STEW: CREOLIZATION OF FOODWAYS ON COLONIAL ERA NUTMEG PLANTATIONS, MALUKU PROVINCE, INDONESIA

The Banda Islands, in modern Indonesia’s Maluku Province, were the world’s sole source of nutmeg in the 16th Century. Control over the spice trade was a major goal for European powers. Consequently, the Banda Islands were a location of early disputes and colonial experimentation. After eradicating most of the indigenous population, the Dutch East India Company established a plantation system in 1621 on the islands. The plantation system fundamentally altered the lifeways of all inhabitants of the Banda Islands but there is little evidence regarding how the alterations and adaptations occurred or why. Excavations at three nutmeg plantations reveal that the inhabitants engaged with multiple strategies of both subsistence and trade. By examining multiple lines of evidence including ceramic, faunal, and starch grain analysis, a more comprehensive understanding of social adaptations to colonialism can be demonstrated.
Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 escapes to the cytosol and actively subverts autophagy in human macrophages

Selective autophagy functions to specifically degrade cellular cargo tagged by ubiquitination, including bacteria. Strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are opportunistic pathogens that cause life-threatening infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). While there is evidence that defective macrophage autophagy in a mouse model of CF can influence B. cenocepacia susceptibility, there have been no comprehensive studies on how this bacterium is sensed and targeted by the host autophagy response in human macrophages. Here, we describe the intracellular life cycle of B. cenocepacia J2315 and its interaction with the autophagy pathway in human cells. Electron and confocal microscopy analysis demonstrates that the invading bacteria interact transiently with the endocytic pathway before escaping to the cytosol. This escape triggers the selective autophagy pathway, and the recruitment of ubiquitin, the ubiquitin-binding adaptors p62 and NDP52 and the autophagosome membrane-associated protein LC3B, to the bacterial vicinity. However, despite recruitment of these key autophagy pathway effectors, B. cenocepacia blocks autophagosome completion and replicates in the host cytosol. We find that a pre-infection increase in cellular autophagy flux can significantly inhibit B. cenocepacia replication and that lower autophagy flux in macrophages from immunocompromised CGD patients could contribute to increased B. cenocepacia susceptibility, identifying autophagy manipulation as a potential therapeutic approach to reduce bacterial burden in B. cenocepacia infections.
Comparative effectiveness research using electronic health records: impacts of oral antidiabetic drugs on the development of chronic kidney disease.

Purpose Little is known about the comparative effects of common oral antidiabetic drugs ([OADs] metformin, sulfonylureas, or thiazolidinediones [THZs]) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) outcomes in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and followed in community primary care practices. Electronic health records (EHRs) were used to evaluate the relationships between OAD class use and incident proteinuria and prevention of glomerular filtration rate decline. Methods A retrospective cohort study on newly diagnosed T2D cases requiring OADs documented in the EHRs of two primary care networks between 1998 and 2009 was conducted. CKD outcomes were new-onset proteinuria and estimated GFR (eGFR) falling below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. OAD exposures defined cohorts. Hazard ratios represent differential CKD outcome risk per year of OAD class use. Results A total of 798 and 977 patients qualified for proteinuria and eGFR outcome analyses, respectively. With metformin as the reference group, sulfonylurea exposure trended toward association with an increased risk of developing proteinuria ([adjusted hazard ratio; 95% CI] 1.27; 0.93, 1.74); proteinuria risk associated with THZ exposure (1.00; 0.70, 1.42) was similar to metformin. Compared with metformin, sulfonylurea exposure was associated with an increased risk of eGFR reduction to <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (1.41; 1.05, 1.91). THZ exposure (1.04; 0.71, 1.50) was not associated with change in the risk of eGFR decline. Conclusions In a primary care population, metformin appeared to decrease the risk of CKD development compared with sulfonlyureas; risks of CKD development between metformin and THZs were similar. EHR use in pharmacotherapy comparative effectiveness research creates specific challenges and study limitations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random Sampling Techniques: A Method of Reducing Large, Homogeneous Series in Congressional Papers

As the twentieth century progresses, some archival institutions are becoming overstocked with masses of documentation from people and institutions important to the operations of our society. The archival profession no longer has sufficient staff and space to winnow this material, item by item. Even our most important leaders leave us with such a legacy of documentation that item-byitem weeding is generally no longer a feasible way to reduce bulk and produce a collection of manageable size. By any definition, the elected leaders of the U.S. government the President, the senators, the representatives are worthy subjects of research as they reflect and shape the operations and values of our society. This paper concerns a method for reducing the bulk of the papers of members of the legislative branch, thereby making the papers more usable for research.
SV40 DNA strand selection by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase

The transcription of native circular double-stranded SV40 DNA by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase is asymmetric. The product of the in vitro reaction was used to achieve a high degree of separation of the complementary SV40 DNA strands.
Short-term effects of ecadotril in dogs with induced congestive heart failure.

Objective—To evaluate short-term hemodynamic effects of ecadotril in a model of congestive heart failure in dogs. Animals—6 conscious adult male dogs. Procedures—Instruments were placed in dogs to measure left ventricular, aortic, and atrial blood pressures. Heart failure was induced by repeated coronary embolization with latex microspheres. Four times, and in random order, dogs were given vehicle or active drug (3, 10, or 30 mg/kg of body weight) orally. Hemodynamic variables, urine flow, and urinary electrolyte excretion were measured before and 30, 90, and 150 minutes, and 10 and 21 hours after drug administration. Results—Changes in urine flow, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, or peak positive and negative rate of change in ventricular pressure were not apparent. Urinary sodium excretion significantly increased in response to the low and high doses of ecadotril but not in response to the 10 mg/kg dose. Left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) consistently decreased in dose- and time-dependen...
Influence of anti-metabolites of essential vitamins on growth and acid production of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Hadley.

ConclusionThe findings reveal that pantoyltaurine, pyridine-3-sulfonic acid and pyrithiamine will inhibit the growth and acid production of the Lactobacillus acidophilus (Hadley) when present in sufficient concentrations in a medium containing all the known growth essentials of this organism. These metabolic analogues of pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid and thiamine have an affinity for enzymes or for the protein component of enzymes, substrates or the prosthetic groups which they resemble structurally.10 They tend to replace their corresponding essential nutrients in the metabolism of the Lactobacillus acidophilus (Hadley) and thereby interfere with its ability to carry on its normal physiological functions. The findings also confirm the previously reported observations that pantothenic acid, thiamine and nicotinic acid are essential for the maximum growth and acid production of the oral Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Resource Consumption, Sustainability, and Cancer

Preservingasystem'sviabilityinthepresenceofdiversityerosioniscritical if the goal is to sustainably support biodiversity. Reduction in population heterogene- ity, whether inter- or intraspecies, may increase population fragility, either decreasing its ability to adapt effectively to environmental changes or facilitating the survival and success of ordinarily rare phenotypes. The latter may result in over-representation of individuals who may participate in resource utilization patterns that can lead to over-exploitation, exhaustion, and, ultimately, collapse of both the resource and the populationthatdependsonit.Here,weaimtoidentifyregimesthatcansignalwhether a consumer-resource system is capable of supporting viable degrees of heterogene- ity. The framework used here is an expansion of a previously introduced consumer- resource type system of a population of individuals classified by their resource con- sumption. Application of the Reduction Theorem to the system enables us to evaluate the health of the system through tracking both the mean value of the parameter of resource (over)consumption, and the population variance, as both change over time. The article concludes with a discussion that highlights applicability of the proposed
Fuzzy-assignment-based color interpolation algorithm

In an electronic color imaging device such as a digital camera using a single CCD or CMOS sensor, the color information is usually acquired in sub-sampled patterns of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) pixels. Full resolution color is subsequently generated from this sub-sampled image. This is popularly called Color Interpolation or Color Demosaicing. In this paper, we present a color interpolation algorithm using the method of fuzzy membership assignment along with the concept of smooth hue transition. The algorithm is adaptive in nature and produces superior quality full resolution color images compared to most of the popularly known color interpolation algorithms in the literature. Performance of the algorithm has been compared with a previously proposed block matching algorithm for color interpolation by the authors as well as the popularly used bilinear color interpolation. We present the results of comparison with some challenging sub-sampled images for color interpolation.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Medical volume segmentation using bank of Gabor filters

In this paper, we will present an unsupervised approach for segmenting medical volume images based on texture properties. The texture properties of the volume data are defined based on spatial frequencies as implemented using a statistical method known as Gabor filters. Each Gabor filter in the bank is tuned to detect patterns of a specific frequency and orientation when convolved with a medical volume. The convolution is performed in the Fourier domain and the resulting response image is a feature which is added to our feature vector. The feature vector is thus passed into a classification/segmentation algorithm.
Arabidopsis thaliana locus At5g62890, a nucleobase-ascorbate transporter family member, is preferentially expressed in carpel transmitting tract and tapetal cells

The expression pattern for Arabidopsis locus At5g62890 (MQB2.190) is investigated at the molecular and whole plant level. MQB2.190 belongs to the nucleobase-ascorbate transporter (NAT) family which includes transporters of purines, pyrimidines and ascorbate. A full-length cDNA clone was sequenced verifying that MQB2.190 is actively expressed and encodes a NAT protein. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis reveal that MQB2.190 is expressed at a low level in a variety of tissues, but is preferentially expressed in flowers. Whole plant gene expression was investigated by generating transgneic Arabidopsis with the MQB2.190 promoter driving GUS gene. Visible GUS staining was detected in the central tissue of carpels and siliques and faintly in anthers, but was absent in young seedlings, roots, leaves, stems or other floral tissues. MQB2.190 transcripts were precisely localized to the central transmitting tract of the carpel and in the tapetal cell layer in anthers using RNA in situ hybridization.
Landscape as a predictor of wetland condition: an evaluation of the Landscape Development Index (LDI) with a large reference wetland dataset from Ohio.

RecentAbstract. Recent approaches to wetland assessment have advocated a multilevel approach which incorporates assessments based on landscape (remote sensing) data, on-site but “rapid” methods, and intensive methods where quantitative data is collected. Brown and Vivas (2004) recently pro- posed an assessment method that uses remote sensing information (Landscape Development Index or LDI) and propose that it may also be usable as a quantified human disturbance gradient. The LDI was evaluated using a large reference wetland data set from Ohio using land use percentages within a 1 km radius circle of the wetlands. The LDI had interpretable and significant relationships with another human disturbance gradient (the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands or ORAM) and with most metrics and scores from the Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity (VIBI) developed for use in the State of Ohio. Metrics from emergent wetlands had the most significant correlations with the LDI (10 of 10 metrics), followed by forested wetlands (8 of 10 metrics) and shrub wetlands (4 of 10). Poor correlation for VIBI scores and metrics of shrub wetlands was due to differences in attainable LDI scores based on ecoregion and natural buffers shielding the wetland from otherwise intensive land uses. The ORAM and VIBI were developed for use in wetlands in Ohio completely independent of the LDI. It is an important test of the LDI concept that so many interpretable and significant relationships occurred between the VIBI scores, VIBI metric values, and the ORAM scores. For the purposes of VIBI development, the LDI is an independent, quantified disturbance gradient that has provided an additional test of the VIBI. Given its theoretical underpinnings and the fact that it uses quantified land use percentages, the LDI has many advantages over more qualita- tive human disturbance gradients. Using land use percentages from increasingly smaller distances from the wetland edge (100-200 m) may improve the resolution of the LDI to detect on-site dis-turbances to a wetland which degrade its ecological condition. The LDI should be evaluated with other large reference data sets in other regions to evaluate its validity and usefulness as an assessment tool.
Conifer–Ceanothus interactions influence tree growth before and after shrub removal in a forest plantation in the western Cascade Mountains, USA

Abstract Ceanothus velutinous is often considered to be an aggressive competitor with young conifers in the western United States. Using a conifer (noble fir, Pacific silver fir, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock) plantation in western WA where Ceanothus had become established, we assessed how conifer–shrub crown interactions affected individual tree growth before and after cutting Ceanothus from around individual trees. For all conifer species, trees surrounded by but with leaders above Ceanothus were 18–70% taller than open-grown trees, and trees with leaders below Ceanothus were 22–50% shorter than open-grown trees; suggesting that Ceanothus had both positive and negative effects on tree growth. Few seedlings (8%) of Douglas-fir were found under Ceanothus . However, because of shade-intolerance, Douglas-fir growing under Ceanothus exhibited the greatest reduction in height (53%) compared to open-grown trees. The most shade-tolerant species, Pacific silver fir, had the least reduction in height (22%) under Ceanothus , yet because of its slow growth, most of its seedlings (62%) were found growing under Ceanothus . Twelve years after cutting Ceanothus , growth rates increased for all four tree species independent of the type of previous interaction with Ceanothus ; however, mean tree heights and diameters for all four conifers remained substantially lower for trees that had been overtopped by Ceanothus compared to trees with leaders not overtopped at the time of release. Thus, the benefits of growing with or being released from encroachment by Ceanothus will vary with conifer species and the degree of conifer–shrub interaction and may persist for many years.
Livestock judges: How much information can an expert use?

Abstract The number of dimensions used by expert livestock judges in making decisions was determined by two different experimental procedures. In the first, judgments were made of hypothetical gilts (female breeding pigs) described by verbal statements along 11 relevant dimensions. In the second, judgments were made based on photographs of Poland-China breeding gilts. The judges were found to use 9–11 pieces of information in the first study but were generally found to use fewer than three in the second. These results were interpreted to indicate that expert judges can integrate a large number of dimensions but that intercorrelations present in real stimuli tend to reduce the number of dimensions found. This suggests that experts may be able to use substantially more information than was previously thought.
Chronic antagonist infusion does not increase morphine antinociception in rat spinal cord.

Abstract Chronic spinal infusion of the opiate antagonist naloxone or naltrexone fail to influence the antinociceptive effect of subsequent intrathecal morphine on the hot plate test in rats compared to saline-infused controls. These results contrast the functional supersensitivity to morphine seen after long-term systemic opiate antagonist administration and support the hypothesis that dopaminergic interactions, lacking in the spinal cord, are necessary for antagonist-induced opioid receptor upregulation.
Diagnosis of asymptomatic aortic dissection during pregnancy using contrast echocardiography.

Spontaneous aortic dissection in pregnancy is rare and life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. It is commonly associated with connective tissue disorders or aortic valvular abnormalities. We describe a case of a hypertensive pregnant woman in whom a dilated ascending aorta was identified in a routine transthoracic echocardiogram. Careful interrogation of the ascending aorta, with the use of intravenous contrast, revealed the presence of a type A aortic dissection flap. The particulars of the case are presented and the literature regarding acute aortic dissection in pregnancy is reviewed. .
Inhibition and Superconditioning

Superconditioning is said to occur when learning an association between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) isfacilitated by pairing the CS with the US in the presence of a previously established conditioned inhibitor. Previous demonstrations of superconditioning have been criticized because their control conditions have allowed alternative interpretations. Using a within-subjects autoshaping procedure, the present study unambiguously demonstrated superconditioning. The results support the view that super-conditioning is the symmetric opposite of blocking.
Discovery of targeting ligands for breast cancer cells using the one-bead one-compound combinatorial method.

Four “one-bead one-compound” (OBOC) combinatorial libraries were designed, synthesized, and screened against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. A novel cyclic peptide 1 (LXY1) with high binding specif...
Chemical bonding and degradation of ultrathin liquid films for nanolubrication of sliding components in adaptive optics

Integrated microprojectors are being developed to project a large image on any surface chosen by users. For a laser-based microprojector, a piezo-electric based adaptive optics unit is adopted in the green laser architecture. The operation of this unit depends on stick-slip motion between the sliding components. Nanolubrication of adaptive optics sliding components is needed to reduce wear and for smooth operation. In this study, thermal, plasma, and UV treatments for chemical bonding of the lubricant film to carbon fiber reinforced polymer are explored. Lubricant film can be exposed to the laser radiation during operation of the microprojector. Chemical degradation of the lubricant film from exposure to green and IR lasers as well as plasma treatment is studied, which may be needed for chemical bonding or cleaning of the components during assembly of the microprojector. The results and associated mechanisms are presented.