cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AI Orthopraxy: Towards a Framework for That Promotes Fairness

This paper introduces the term AI Orthopraxy as the correct practice of AI and a framework that aims to unify some aspects associated with AI ethics. These include standards, legal, and measures of fairness. We draw from existing tools that have been peer-reviewed by academics and discussed in recent literature to provide a mechanism for assessing the level by which a model or AI technology follows the correct practices of ethical AI. This paper describes a preliminary, ongoing, study and shows the early stages of a prototype framework, including a visual representation of the level of AI Orthopraxy of a model using hive plots. This work can potentially help create fair and trustworthy AI built upon the core tenets of accountability, transparency, and fairness. One of the current limitations is that it requires validation of peers that are willing, able, and trained to evaluate an AI model or technology using standards and other novel frameworks.
Analytical and experimental study of structurally efficient composite hat-stiffened panels loaded in axial compression

Structural efficiency studies were made to determine the weight-saving potential of graphite/epoxy composite structures for compression panel applications. Minimum-weight hat-stiffened and open-corrugation configurations were synthesized using a nonlinear mathematical programing technique. Selected configurations were built and tested to study local and Euler buckling characteristics. Test results for 23 panels critical in local buckling and six panels critical in Euler buckling are compared with analytical results obtained using the BUCLASP-2 branched plate buckling program. A weight efficiency comparison is made between composite and aluminum compression panels using metal test data generated by the NACA. Theoretical studies indicate that potential weight savings of up to 50% are possible for composite hat-stiffened panels when compared with similar aluminum designs. Weight savings of 32% to 42% were experimentally achieved. Experience to date suggests that most of the theoretical weight-saving potential is available if design deficiencies are eliminated and strict fabrication control is exercised.
Hereditary thrombophilia

Thrombophilia can be defined as a predisposition to form clots inappropriately. Thrombotic events during infancy and childhood are increasingly recognized as a significant source of mortality and morbidity. The predisposition to form clots can arise from genetic factors, acquired changes in the clotting mechanism, or, more commonly, an interaction between genetic and acquired factors. Since the turn of the last century, there has been extensive research focusing on both the genetic and acquired causes of thrombophilia, with particular focus on clotting events in the venous circulation. This review describes clinically relevant aspects of genetic venous thrombophilia, which include well-established, lesser known, and suggested causes of inherited thrombophilias.
Persistent Anhydramnios and LUTO in a Patient with a Vesicoamniotic Shunt.

Persistent anhydramnios after placement of a vesicoamniotic shunt is a rare but potentially serious concern in a patient in utero. We present the case a male fetus who at 32 weeks gestation had bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, a distended bladder, and anhydramnios. A vesicoamniotic shunt was placed, but the anhydramnios persisted. Postnatally, the child was found to have a migrated shunt, left grade V vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and posterior urethral valves (PUV). He underwent a PUV ablation and removal of the migrated shunt. The patient is now two years old and is doing well with no urinary tract infections or renal deterioration.
A candidate metastasis-associated DNA marker for ductal mammary carcinoma

Molecular genetic markers to identify the 13% lymph node-negative mammary carcinomas that are prone to develop metastases would clearly be of considerable value in indicating those cases in need of early aggressive therapy. Representational difference analysis was used in an attempt to identify genetic alterations related to breast cancer metastasis by comparing genomic DNA from microdissected normal cells and from metastatic cells of ductal breast carcinoma patients. Representational difference analysis products yielded 10 unique metastasis-associated DNA sequences (MADS), i.e. products apparently lost in metastatic cell DNA. Of these sequences, MADS-IX was found to be lost in the transition from primary to metastasis in two out of five ductal breast carcinoma cases. This sequence was localized on chromosome 10q21 by radiation hybrid mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The PTEN gene, which is also located on chromosome 10q, was detected to be present by PCR in all five cases. On the contrary, a breast carcinoma cell line, HCC-1937, which has homozygous loss of a region encompassing the PTEN gene, showed the presence of MADS-IX. PCR screening of three additional breast carcinoma cell lines with known losses in specific chromosomal regions also showed the presence of MADS-IX. These data suggest that MADS-IX possibly is part of a novel candidate metastasis-associated gene located close to the PTEN gene on chromosome 10q. The first set of PCR screening in five patient samples indicates that it could be used as a molecular marker for ductal mammary metastasis.
Quantifying the North Pacific silica plume

[1] New hydrostations plus a comprehensive compilation of existing data have allowed us to characterize the dissolved silica plume located at midwater depths in the North Pacific. The North Pacific silica plume is a global-scale anomaly, extending from the North American continental margin in the east to beyond the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain in the west. Inventory of the plume between 2000 and 3000 m depth indicates that it contains 164 Tmols (164 × 1012 mols) of anomalous dissolved silica and is maintained by a horizontal flux of approximately 1.5 Tmols/yr from the east. The source region of this plume has been previously suggested to be Cascadia Basin in the NE Pacific. Biochemical and geothermal processes within this small region can produce approximately one third of the required flux, but the majority of silica contained within the North Pacific plume may originate in crustal fluid venting from the warm upper basement aquifer that underlies the easternmost Pacific plate.
The Effect of Magnitude of Client Reporting Error and Order of Multiple Issues on Auditor-Client Negotiations

This study reports the result of an experiment examining the impact of the magnitude of the difference between an auditor's preferred balance and the client's unaudited balance as well as the order of issues discussed on the outcome of an auditor-client negotiation. Audit quality has been the focus of several streams of research as well as the object of recent and substantial changes in audit regulation. However, the influence of audit quality on the quality of the associated financial statements is contingent upon the discussions and negotiations between auditors and the client's management. This study considers two aspects of the auditing context that normatively should not influence financial statement account balances but that negotiation theory suggests will have an influence: magnitude of the client's unaudited balance and the order of potential adjustments discussed. Theory from negotiation literature suggests that negotiators' initial demands (e.g., client's unaudited balances) as well as feelings of reciprocity created by prior negotiations serve to create expectations for the current negotiation and, in turn, the outcomes of such negotiations. Results of an experiment using audit partners and managers as participants suggest that both the magnitude of the client's initial, and materially misstated, balance as well as the order of discussion of multiple proposed adjustments influences the auditor's expectations regarding the ensuing negotiation (e.g., goals, limits, and initial offer). Further, these manipulations influence the negotiated outcome and this influence is fully mediated by the auditor's starting point in the negotiation (i.e., initial offer). These results suggest that financial statement quality may suffer as a result of these common characteristics of discussions regarding the disposal of audit adjustments.
Automated analysis of conserved syntenies for the zebrafish genome.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses general concepts regarding conservation of syntenies and presents several examples connecting zebrafish biology with human biology. It also discusses the progress and problems in automated analysis of conserved syntenies between zebrafish and mammalian genomes. Investigating genome conservation begins by identifying orthologs. Orthologs are pairs of genetic elements, one in each of two different species that are descended from a single genetic element in the last common ancestor of the two species. Conserved syntenies involve whole chromosomes; therefore, two pairs of orthologs exhibit a conserved synteny even if they are close together on a chromosome in one species and located far from each other, but still on the same chromosome in the other species. Conserved syntenies can help arbitrate ambiguities in ortholog assignments arising from phylogenetic analysis of genes with ambiguous or confusing phylogenetic signal. Identifying segments with conserved gene orders can facilitate the cloning of mutants and the identification of candidates for genetic regulatory elements. Both basic and model organism research in zebrafish can benefit from the information provided by conserved genomic evidence. Zebrafish are more genetically accessible than other vertebrate model organisms and can therefore be used to dissect molecular pathways and test the functions of numerous candidate genes related to specific phenotypes. Knowledge of conserved syntenic relationships between zebrafish and regions containing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified in other organisms can allow the systematic evaluation of the function of each candidate gene by overexpression or morpholino knockdown.
In-cell Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

In the past few decades, most biological processes, such as protein-protein/ligand interactions and atomic resolution structures, have been studied under “near physiological” conditions using in vitro NMR spectroscopy. With the advent of in-cell NMR spectroscopy, many biological interactions can now be studied within a cellular environment and provide information at atomic-level resolution under physiological conditions. Thus, by performing NMR spectroscopy on living cells, we can begin to understand the structural underpinning of biological activity. This article will discuss the more recent studies in the field of in-cell NMR spectroscopy, in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Keywords: heteronuclear multidimensional NMR; protein–protein interactions; posttranslational modifications; in-cell drug screening; protein–DNA interactions; protein structure; nucleic acids structure
Twisted D-branes of the suˆ(N)K WZW model and level-rank duality

Abstract We analyze the level-rank duality of ω c -twisted D-branes of su ˆ ( N ) K (when N and K > 2 ). When N or K is even, the duality map involves Z 2 -cominimal equivalence classes of twisted D-branes. We prove the duality of the spectrum of an open string stretched between ω c -twisted D-branes, and ascertain the relation between the charges of level-rank-dual ω c -twisted D-branes.
Department of Red Faces

To the Editor.— There is a typographical error in Table 2 which accompanied the article "Safe Handling of Vaccines" by Casto and Brunell.1 On page 110, in the second column for poliovirus vaccine live (oral), it states that "it will remain fluid at temperatures above 14°C." This should read above minus (–)14°C. The correct information is contained in the package insert for oral poliovirus vaccine.
Sonographically guided percutaneous first annular pulley release: cadaveric safety study of needle and knife techniques.

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of sonographically guided percutaneous finger and thumb first annular (A1 ) pulley releases performed using needle and hook knife techniques in an unembalmed cadaveric model. Methods. A single operator completed 50 (40 fingers and 10 thumbs) sonographically guided percutaneous A1 pulley releases in unembalmed cadavers using previously described needle and hook knife techniques and simulated local anesthesia. Half of the fingers and thumbs were completed with each technique. An experienced observer blinded to the technique dissected each specimen and assessed for neurovascular, flexor tendon, and A2 pulley injury. Completeness of release was also recorded as a secondary outcome. Results. No neurovascular or A2 pulley injury occurred in any digit, regardless of technique. No significant flexor tendon injury was seen in any digit, although minor surface scratches were visualized in 3 cases (6%; 2 knife and 1 needle). The hook knife technique was significantly more likely to result in a complete pulley release compared to the needle technique (22 of 25 [88%] versus 8 of 25 [32%]; P < .001). Condusions. Sonographically guided percutaneous A1 pulley releases can be performed safely using previously described needle and hook knife techniques. The safety margin for thumb releases is less than that for finger releases, particularly with respect to the radial digital nerve. These cadaveric data support recently published clinical investigations recommending consideration of sonographically guided percutaneous A1 pulley release in the management of patients with a disabling trigger finger.
Accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of protein folding.

Folding of four fast-folding proteins, including chignolin, Trp-cage, villin headpiece and WW domain, was simulated via accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD). In comparison with hundred-of-microsecond timescale conventional molecular dynamics (cMD) simulations performed on the Anton supercomputer, aMD captured complete folding of the four proteins in significantly shorter simulation time. The folded protein conformations were found within 0.2-2.1 A of the native NMR or X-ray crystal structures. Free energy profiles calculated through improved reweighting of the aMD simulations using cumulant expansion to the second-order are in good agreement with those obtained from cMD simulations. This allows us to identify distinct conformational states (e.g., unfolded and intermediate) other than the native structure and the protein folding energy barriers. Detailed analysis of protein secondary structures and local key residue interactions provided important insights into the protein folding pathways. Furthermore, the selections of force fields and aMD simulation parameters are discussed in detail. Our work shows usefulness and accuracy of aMD in studying protein folding, providing basic references in using aMD in future protein-folding studies.
What is smart sex offender policy

InJuly 1994, 7-year-old Megan Kanka was raped and killed by a recidivist sex offender living across the street from her in Hamilton Township, NJ. The perpetrator, Jesse Timmendequas, had a history of sexually abusing children and lived with two other sex offenders; yet his neighbors were unaware of their criminal history. Because of Jesse’s anonymity, he lured Megan into his house to see his puppy. Megan’s parents said that if they had only known that sex offenders were living across the street from them, Megan would be alive today. They then advocated for notification of sex offenders’ whereabouts to become mandatory in all states, and many politicians were eager to support her and any legislation that could potentially protect children from sexual predators. As a result, the federal government and all states enacted their own versions of registration and community notification laws (RCNLs), which are known colloquially as “Megan’s Law.” During the last decade and a half, RCNLs have overcome legal challenges to be developed and expanded; now, RCNLs regulate the rights and movements of sex offenders living in the community. Like Megan’s Law, most of these policies are “memorial laws” based on the emotionally charged cases of a child being raped and/or killed by a stranger (Terry and Furlong, 2008). The goal of RCNLs are to raise awareness of sex offenders in the community so that individuals can protect themselves from victimization, and such awareness should in turn reduce the likelihood that the registered offenders will recidivate (Beck and Travis, 2006). But the laws were not based on a sound theoretical framework of crime prevention and control, and there are some fundamental flaws in the basis of this legislation. More than a dozen years after their implementation, empirical studies now show moderate, if any, effects of this legislation on either the recidivism levels of the offenders (Zgoba, Witt, Dalessandro, and Veysey, 2008) or the protective behaviors that they are
Assessment of Sexual Satisfaction in Relation to Potential Sexual Problems in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Changes in sexual functioning are common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients, but its impact on women’s sexual satisfaction remains unclear. The study examined the level of sexual satisfaction in relation to sexual functioning changes and explored the factors associated with overall sexual wellbeing in women with MS. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was administered to 160 women during routine MS clinic visits. Sexual satisfaction was assessed using a modified version of the Female Sexual Functioning Index. One-hundred-forty-four subjects completed the entire survey with a 90% completion rate. Subject’s mean age was 42 (SD 10.2) years. Mean MS duration was 8.7 (SD 6.9) years. The majority reported Relapsing-Remitting form of MS (79%) and were walking independently (73%). Presence of at least one bladder and bowel problem was noticed in 54/144 and 69/144 subjects respectively. Generalized sexual satisfaction was demonstrated in this cohort of women (44%). Respondents reported extreme satisfaction with their partner-relationship (35%), highest satisfaction for frequency of sexual activity (48%) and highest dissatisfaction for sexual desire (33%). Frequency of sexual activity and sexual desire ranked highest for having an impact on overall sex life. Other factors in the descending order of importance were: natural wetness, sexual arousal, orgasm, partner-relationship and disease duration.
Inhibition of Catecholamine Biosynthesis in Man

Reduction of catecholamine synthesis by as much as 70% has been achieved in man with the oral administration of a-methyl-para-Ltyrosine, a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor. Significant reduction of blood pressure and improvement of the general clinical status have been achieved in patients with pheochromocytoma. However, at the doses employed, no significant blood pressure effects were noted in patients with essential hypertension.
The associations among accounting program attributes, 150-hour status, and CPA exam pass rates

Abstract This study contributes to the extant literature by providing a better understanding of the associations among attributes of schools providing accounting education, 150-hour status, and CPA exam pass rates. We model program-level pass rates as a function of the state’s 150-hour status and several program-specific attributes, including: the level of AACSB accreditation, student selectivity, the percentage of candidates with advanced degrees, and faculty research productivity. We examine the average pass rates of 520 accounting programs that provided 43,711 first-time candidates for CPA exams given in 1998 and 1999. Similar to most prior studies we find that candidates from more selective schools, candidates with advanced degrees, and candidates who attended schools located in jurisdictions with the 150-hour requirement fully in place have higher average pass rates. However, we also find a significant decline in average pass rates during the 150-hour transition period, and in contrast to the strong positive effects of accreditation reported by [Grant, C. T., Ciccotello, C. S., & Dickie, M. (2001). Barriers to professional entry: how effective is the 150-hour rule? Journal of Accounting and Public Policy , 21 , 71–93], we find only weak evidence of an association between program-level pass rates and college-level or separate AACSB accounting program accreditation.
Velocity-force characteristics of an interface driven through a periodic potential

We study creep dynamics of a two-dimensional interface driven through a periodic potential using dynamic renormalization-group methods. We find that the nature of weak-drive transport depends qualitatively on whether the temperature T is above or below the equilibrium roughening transition temperature ${T}_{c}.$ Above ${T}_{c},$ the velocity-force characteristics are Ohmic, with linear mobility exhibiting a jump discontinuity across the transition. For $Tl~{T}_{c},$ the transport is highly nonlinear, exhibiting an interesting crossover in temperature and weak external force F. For intermediate drive, $Fg{F}_{*},$ we find near ${T}_{c}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ a power-law velocity-force characteristics $v(F)\ensuremath{\sim}{F}^{\ensuremath{\sigma}},$ with $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{-}1\ensuremath{\propto}\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{t},$ and well below ${T}_{c},$ $v(F)\ensuremath{\sim}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}{(F}_{*}{/F)}^{2\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{t}}},$ with $\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{t}=(1\ensuremath{-}{T/T}_{c}).$ In the limit of vanishing drive $(F\ensuremath{\ll}{F}_{*}),$ the velocity-force characteristics cross over to $v(F)\ensuremath{\sim}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}{(F}_{0}/F)},$ and are controlled by soliton nucleation.
Biomarkers of Endocannabinoid System Activation in Severe Obesity

Background Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, and severe obesity is a risk factor for many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Endocannabinoid system (ECS) signaling in the brain and peripheral tissues is activated in obesity and plays a role in the regulation of body weight. The main research question here was whether quantitative measurement of plasma endocannabinoids, anandamide, and related N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), combined with genotyping for mutations in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) would identify circulating biomarkers of ECS activation in severe obesity.
Examining the influences of senior discount usage in the hospitality industry.

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to examine older adult attitudes and behaviors of discount usage in the hospitality industry. A secondary purpose was to understand the relationship between usage category (nonusers, light users and heavy users), age and influences of discount usage in the hospitality industry. Results suggested that (1) the profile of the older adult discount user in the hospitality industry reveals that the average discount user is married'partnered, educated, with a variety of income levels, basically the “average” older adult and (2) generally, the age of the senior does not have a significant impact on discount usage, but rather previous discount behavior and institutional barriers played a significant role. Employees in the hospitality industry need to be trained to recognize and manage for “ageism.” Seniors will be less inclined to use discounts if employees in the hospitality industry treat older adults poorly. If use of hospitality discounts is related to general discou...
Current status of systemic intravenous radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of painful metastatic bone disease

Abstract Purpose : Intractable bone pain secondary to bone metastasis from prostate, lung, breast, and other malignancies is a major problem in the management of the oncological patient. Because a number of factors are implicated in the pathophysiology of bone pain, a multidisciplinary approach in its assessment and treatment is often required. Treatment often includes the use of analgesic drug therapy; however, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery may also be needed. Methods and Materials : The use of systemic radionuclide therapy may often be helpful to relieve bone pain and improve the quality of life. In the setting of diffuse bone metastasis, intractable to conventional therapy, various radioisotopes have been advocated. These include phosphorous-32, iodine-131, strontium-89, yttrium-90, samarium-153, and rhenium-186, often as either the anionic phosphate or as a ligand (HEDP, EDTMP). Results : When these agents are used, pain relief often occurs in approximately 2–4 weeks and lasts several weeks to months with responses seen in 60–80% of patients, depending on the extent of disease and stage the patient is treated. Retreatment has been possible in certain cases with further palliation being offered and improvement in the various quality of life parameters being noted. Conclusion : Myelotoxicity has been a limiting factor with certain isotopes and has led to the development of less toxic bone seeking agents. Although these each have unique physical and biokinetic properties requiring different doses and protocols for administration, they all appear to localize in osteoblastic metastatic sites in sufficient amounts to provide bone pain palliation.
Analytical Second Derivatives for Effective Core Potential. Application to Transition Structures of Cp2Ru2(μ-H)4 and to the Mechanism of Reaction Cu + CH2N2

Routines for calculation of analytical second derivatives for the effective core potential have been developed. The present version allows for spdf basis sets with spdfg projection operators for HF, DFT, and MP2 methods and has been incorporated into the Gaussian package. Analytical frequency analysis has been applied to the characterization of a critical structure of Cp2Ru2(μ-H)4 and to the study of the mechanism of reaction between Cu and CH2N2. Frequency analysis demonstrates that the structure previously found as the transition state of H2 dissociation of Cp2Ru2(μ-H)4 actually is a third-order stationary point. For various species of the system of Cu + CH2N2, DFT and MP2 second derivatives gave reasonable frequencies (∼5% average error) compared to the experimental in most cases, except that the N−N stretch was very poor at the MP2 level because of spin contamination in N2CuCH2. On the basis of vibrational frequencies, assignment has been made for adducts found experimentally between Cu and CH2N2. The...
Alcalde vs. Mayor: Translating the Colonial World

In studying the nuances of any legal term from the colonial period in Latin America it is always good to have recourse to the Siete Partidas, the compilation of royal law promulgated, and some say written, by the famous thirteenth-century Castilian monarch, Alfonso X, often called “The Wise.”
Channel Adaptive Prioritized Network Coding

We propose a channel adaptive prioritized network coding technique that provides a variable quality of service (QoS) to different nodes in multiple access relay networks (MARN). The basic idea is to exclude the low priority nodes in the network encoder when their channel gains towards the destination are above a threshold, and vary the threshold to provide a variable QoS. The proposed technique can provide a soft-level prioritized service to different nodes depending on their assistance needs. They are a natural generalization of current prioritized network coding techniques which can provide only a hard-level (fixed) prioritized service. We derive the outage probability for the prioritized and non-prioritized nodes in Rayleigh flat fading channel with additive white Gaussian noise and derive optimum threshold based on QoS constraints.
Discretionary time among older adults: how do physical activity promotion interventions affect sedentary and active behaviors?

Investigation goals were to document discretionary time activities among older adults, determine whether time spent in discretionary activities varied by gender, and investigate whether participation in a prescribed physical activity (PA) intervention increased the time that older adults spend in discretionary time physical activities that were not specifically prescribed by interventions. Longitudinal data were drawn from 2 published studies of older adults. Study 1 compared 2 PA interventions in healthy older men and women (N = 103, M = 70.2 years), and Study 2 compared a PA intervention with a nutrition intervention in healthy older women (N = 93, M = 63.1 years). Participants in both studies completed similar assessments of their discretionary time activities using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire. Across both studies, at baseline, over 95% of participants reported talking on the telephone and reading as frequent sedentary discretionary time activities; over 80% reported visiting with friends and watching television or listening to the radio. Women engaged in significantly greater hours of social activities and household maintenance activities than did men (p < .05). From baseline to 12- month posttest, social, recreational, and household activities remained stable by gender and across time after participating in a PA intervention. Despite previously documented 2- to 3- hr increases in physical activities occurring in response to the study interventions, increases did not generalize for most participants to activities not prescribed by the intervention. Older adults are participating in numerous sedentary social and recreational activities that appear to remain stable across time and in the face of PA intervention prescriptions.
An Interdisciplinary Collaboration between Computer Engineering and Mathematics/Bilingual Education to Develop a Curriculum for Underrepresented Middle School Students.

There is a strong need in the United States to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Drawing from sociocultural theory, we present approaches to establishing collaborations between computer engineering and mathematics/bilingual education faculty to address this need. We describe our work through the Advancing Out-of-School Learning in Mathematics and Engineering project by illustrating how an integrated curriculum that is based on mathematics with applications in image and video processing can be designed and how it can be implemented with middle school students from underrepresented groups.
Hierarchical modeling using generalized linear models

In a complex manufacturing environment, there are hundreds of interrelated processes that form a complex hierarchy. This is especially true of semiconductor manufacturing. In such an environment, modeling and understanding the impact of critical process parameters on final performance measures such as defectivity is a challenging task. In addition, a number of modeling issues such as a small number of observations compared to process variables, difficulty in formulating a high-dimensional design matrix, and missing data due to failures pose challenges in using empirical modeling techniques such as classical linear modeling as well as generalized linear modeling (GLM) approaches. Our approach is to utilize GLM in a hierarchical structure to understand the impact of key process and subprocess variables on the system output. A two-level approach, comprising subprocess modeling and meta-modeling, is presented and modeling related issues such as bias and variance estimation are considered. The hierarchical GLM approach helps not only in improving output measures, but also in identifying and improving subprocess variables attributed to poor output quality. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A recursive coding algorithm for two-unicast-Z networks

We derive a new linear network coding algorithm for two-unicast-Z networks over directed acyclic graphs, that is, for two-unicast networks where one destination has apriori information of the interfering source message. Our algorithm discovers linear network codes for two-unicast-Z networks by combining ideas of random linear network coding and interference neutralization. We show that our algorithm outputs an optimal network code for networks where there is only one edge emanating from each of the two sources. The complexity of our algorithm is polynomial in the number of edges of the graph.
Akt negatively regulates the cJun N-terminal kinase pathway in PC12 cells.

The protein serine/threonine kinase Akt is a target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase that mediates many of the trophic actions of growth factors on cells. In PC12 cells, complete removal of serum leads to rapid stimulation of the cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Inclusion of insulin-like growth factor-1, a stimulator of Akt in PC12 cells, inhibits JNK activation in this setting, whereas addition of wortmannin to PC12 cells in the presence of serum stimulates JNK activity, suggesting that growth factor-mediated signaling through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway chronically inhibits the JNK pathway in PC12 cells. To explore the possible role of Akt as a negative regulator of JNK activity in PC12 cells, a myristoylated, gain-of-function Akt polypeptide (Myr-Akt) was expressed by retrovirus-mediated gene transfer. Stimulation of JNK activity by serum withdrawal or UV irradiation in PC12 cell clones stably expressing Myr-Akt was inhibited approximately 95% or 50%, respectively, relative to control transfected PC12 cells. Phosphorylation of both JNKs and a proximal activator, MAP kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), in response to UV irradiation was inhibited in Myr-Akt-expressing PC12 cells. Furthermore, transient expression of Myr-Akt strongly inhibited cJun transactivation mediated by MEKK1 or MKK7-JNK3, a gain-of-function MKK7-JNK fusion protein. Interestingly, inhibited JNK activation in the Myr-Akt-expressing PC12 cells is associated with marked induction of JNK-interacting protein-1 (JIP-1). We propose that negative regulation of the JNK pathway through Akt-dependent induction of specfic JIP proteins contributes to the antiapoptotic actions of Akt in neuronal cell types.
Evidence for diffusive redistribution of 210Pb in lake sediments

Abstract 210 Pb, 210 Po, and ancillary geochemical parameters were measured in the sediments and pore waters of a lake with seasonally anoxic bottom waters. Substantial release of radionuclides to the water column has been documented at this site. Solid phase 210 Pb profiles do not match the expected input history, suggesting that the radionuclide may be undergoing redistribution. High levels of the radionuclides were measured in pore waters, consistent with partition coefficients in the range from 10 3 to 10 4 . The high pore water activities, apparent redistribution pattern, and the documented release of 210 Pb from these sediments to the water column, all point to the possible importance of pore water diffusion as a 210 Pb transport mechanism. The distribution of 210 Pb in these sediments was successfully modeled using a combination of sediment burial and pore water diffusion without the need to invoke particle reworking. Theoretical analysis supports the idea that in some cases large dating errors can result if diffusive redistribution of 210 Pb is neglected.
Studies on ciprofloxacin therapy of experimental Legionnaires' disease.

Summary The concentration of ciprofloxacin in the serum and tissues of normal guinea-pigs was monitored after intramuscular and oral administration. Significant concentrations were attained in the kidneys, but higher doses were required before serum and lung concentrations became measurable. Ciprofloxacin, given parenterally, prevented pyrexia and death of guinea-pigs infected by aerosols of Legionella pneumophila . Although it markedly reduced the number of bacteria in the lungs, it did not prevent the development of pulmonary lesions. Ciprofloxacin administered orally was not so effective in preventing death, although pyrexia was prevented and numbers of bacteria in the lungs of guinea-pigs were reduced. The low minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of ciprofloxacin against L. pneumophila together with the in vivo results observed suggest that this antibiotic could be of value in the treatment of human beings suffering from Legionnaires' disease.
Food restriction research: Its significance for human aging.

The total lack of knowledge concerning the nature of the primary aging processes coupled to the lack of biomarkers of aging has made it difficult to devise fruitful approaches for the study of aging. Indeed, the only index of aging about which there is general agreement is the life span of the species (i.e., the maximum age attained by members of the species). Only one manipulation has been found which extends the life span of a mammalian species and that is food restriction in rodents. In addition to increasing life span, food restriction also retards almost all age-associated physiological changes and diseases processes. It is concluded that food restriction has these diverse actions because it retards the primary aging processes. Recent research has been focused on the mechanisms by which food restriction influences the primary aging processes because it is believed that such knowledge will provide insight on the basis nature of aging. Available evidence pints to the neural an endocrine system as couplers of food restriction to the aging processes. Of particular current interest are the effects of food restriction on protein turnover and free radical metabolism. The importance of food restriction to human aging relates to the information it is expected to yield on the nature of the primary aging processes in all mammalian species and the database it should provide for interventions of human aging.
A benthic chamber for intensely metabolic lotic systems

We have designed a flow-through benthic chamber that has the desirable characteristics of: simulation of tidal currents, continuous operation, ability to measure photosynthesis, respiration and nutrient exchanges, and maintenance of near-ambient oxygen conditions in a highly metabolic environment. The apparatus is based on a 1.3 m long Plexiglas tunnel, closed at bith ends, with both constant circulation and periodic flushing. The results of a 9-month study at one location in Flax Pond, a Long Island, New York, tidal pond, show large seasonal variations, influences of both sunlight intensity and seasonality, and a P/R ratio of less than one.
FABRICATION OF UNIFORM ARRAY OF NANO-DOTS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

We have developed a novel technique to fabricate extremely uniform arrays of nano-sized dots. Regular arrays of nanometer-sized metallic dots are obtianed by magnetron sputtering deposition through a nanochannel glass replica mask. The platinum replica masks are fabricated using thin film deposition on an etched nanochannel glass and contain hexagonally patterned uniform voids with diameters as small as 50 nanometers. The metallic dot density can be as high as 5×1011 per square centimeter. The magnetic properties of Ni and Co dot arrays have been studied by a Alternating Gradient Magnetometer. The magnetic dot array can be used as pinning centers for superconductors and also can be used as the discrete magnetic media for magnetic recording.
CaCO3 precipitation, transport and sensing in porous media with in situ generation of reactants.

Ureolytically driven calcite precipitation is a promising approach for inducing subsurface mineral precipitation, but engineered application requires the ability to control and predict precipitate ...
A Nonstandard Proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

ematical logic is analyzing the relationship between mathematical symbols and the objects they represent. This area of study, model theory, shows that for any consistent theory there are many models, or universes, that can be used as interpretations for its symbols. Real analysis, for example, is a theory that has an intended model: the collection of all real numbers, defined as sets of rational numbers, Dedekind cuts. This is a set-theoretic construction devised to provide a formal model. We don't usually think of reals this way, we simply assume that they satisfy the axioms of a complete ordered
Treatment of hairpulling (Trichotillomania): A comparative study of habit reversal and negative practice training

Abstract Hairpulling is an uncommon behavior which has received little study and for which effective treatment has not been established. The present study evaluated the habit reversal and the negative practice method of treatment with 34 subjects randomly assigned to the two treatments. Habit reversal was about twice as effective as the negative practice with respect to the average percentage reduction in hairpulling episodes, the number of subjects who stopped hairpulling entirely, and those who stopped almost entirely. Follow-up phone calls or a single booster session were often effective in preventing or correcting the relapses. It appears that hairpulling can be successfully treated by brief habit reversal training with substantial and enduring benefits.
Development of a two-step route to 3-PBC and βCCt, two agents active against alcohol self-administration in rodent and primate models.

To gain access to 3-propoxy-β-carboline hydrochloride (3-PBC·HCl) (1·HCl) and β-carboline-3-carboxylate-tert-butyl ester (βCCt) (2), potential clinical agents active against alcohol self-administration, a two-step route was developed. This process involves a palladium-catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig coupling and an intramolecular Heck reaction. This two-step route provides rapid access to multigram quantities of 3-PBC (1) and βCCt (2), as well as analogues for studies of alcohol self-administration. The overall yield of 3-PBC (1) was improved from 8% to 50% by this route.
De novo Generation of Cells within Human Nurse Macrophages and Consequences following HIV-1 Infection

Nurse cells are defined as those that provide for the development of other cells. We report here, that in vitro, human monocyte-derived macrophages can behave as nurse cells with functional capabilities that include de novo generation of CD4+ T-lymphocytes and a previously unknown small cell with monocytoid characteristics. We named these novel cells “self-renewing monocytoid cells” (SRMC), because they could develop into nurse macrophages that produced another generation of SRMC. SRMC were not detectable in blood. Their transition to nurse behavior was characterized by expression of CD10, a marker of thymic epithelium and bone marrow stroma, typically absent on macrophages. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling and immunostaining for cdc6 expression confirmed DNA synthesis within nurse macrophages. T-cell excision circles were detected in macrophages, along with expression of pre-T-cell receptor alpha and recombination activating gene 1, suggesting that genetic recombination events associated with generation of the T-cell receptor were occurring in these cells. SRMC expressed CCR5, the coreceptor for R5 HIV-1 isolates, and were highly susceptible to HIV-1 entry leading to productive infection. While expressing HIV-1, SRMC could differentiate into nurse macrophages that produced another generation of HIV-1-expressing SRMC. The infected nurse macrophage/SRMC cycle could continue in vitro for multiple generations, suggesting it might represent a mechanism whereby HIV-1 can maintain persistence in vivo. HIV-1 infection of nurse macrophages led to a decline in CD4+ T-cell production. There was severe, preferential loss of the CCR5+ CD4+ T-cell subpopulation. Confocal microscopy revealed individual HIV-1-expressing nurse macrophages simultaneously producing both HIV-1-expressing SRMC and non-expressing CD3+ cells, suggesting that nurse macrophages might be a source of latently infected CD4+ T-cells. Real-time PCR experiments confirmed this by demonstrating 10-fold more HIV-1-genome-harboring T-cells, than virus-expressing ones. These phenomena have far-reaching implications, and elicit new perspectives regarding HIV pathogenesis and T-cell and hematopoietic cell development.
Catalyst Nature and Frequency Effects on the Oligomerization of Methane via Microwave Heating

Microwave-induced oligomerization of methane has been extensively investigated for many years. Very important factors that control the oligomerization of methane were studied, including factors such as microwave frequency, time the materials are in the reaction zone, and nature of the catalysts. Activated carbon, iron, and nickel were tested for the activation of methane. Experiments were conducted at fixed frequencies of 2.4 and 4.6 GHz and at variable frequency over the range of 2-7 GHz with a sweep rate of 0.5 s. The power used for all experiments was 500 W. Changes in product distribution, because of changes in frequency, have been observed, most probably because of the different transient heating patterns that occur at different values of frequency. Oligomers ranging from C 2 s to C 8 s , compounds were obtained, in which C 2 , compounds were the most abundant. Benzene was produced, with a selectivity of 28%.
Altered lipid profile after Kawasaki syndrome.

BACKGROUNDDelineation of lipid values in children after Kawasaki syndrome is important because of the predilection of this disease for the coronary arteries.METHODS AND RESULTSWe measured plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides using enzymatic methods in 105 patients with a history of Kawasaki syndrome. Measurements were obtained during six time periods: 10 days or less, 11-31 days, 1-3 months, 3-12 months, 1-3 years, and more than 3 years. Total cholesterol was depressed in the first interval (122.0 +/- 19.8 mg/dl, mean +/- SD), but the mean values were normal in all periods after clinical recovery (overall mean, 149.0 +/- 24.0 mg/dl). High density lipoprotein cholesterol was also depressed in the first interval (15.2 +/- 9.9 mg/dl); although high density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly with duration since disease onset (p less than 0.001), it remained significantly lower than expected (p less than 0.001), even in the lates...