cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A hybrid multi-level optimization approach for the dynamic synthesis/design and operation/control under uncertainty of a fuel cell system

Abstract During system development, large-scale, complex energy systems require multi-disciplinary efforts to achieve system quality, cost, and performance goals. As systems become larger and more complex, the number of possible system configurations and technologies, which meet the designer’s objectives optimally, increases greatly. In addition, both transient and environmental effects may need to be taken into account. Thus, the difficulty of developing the system via the formulation of a single optimization problem in which the optimal synthesis/design and operation/control of the system are achieved simultaneously is great and rather problematic. This difficulty is further heightened with the introduction of uncertainty analysis, which transforms the problem from a purely deterministic one into a probabilistic one. Uncertainties, system complexity and nonlinearity, and large numbers of decision variables quickly render the single optimization problem unsolvable by conventional, single-level, optimization strategies. To address these difficulties, the strategy adopted here combines a dynamic physical decomposition technique for large-scale optimization with a response sensitivity analysis method for quantifying system response uncertainties to given uncertainty sources. The feasibility of such a hybrid approach is established by applying it to the synthesis/design and operation/control of a 5 kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system.
The need for speed in stochastic simulation.

Flexible parallel-processing computer chip technology speeds up stochastic simulation of cellular biochemical systems.
The application of continuously uniform latices to kinetic studies of “ideal” emulsion polymerization

In kinetic studies of emulsion polymerization, the use of latices which are completely uniform through all stages of growth offer a marked improvement in analytic accessibility over their polydispersed counterparts. This paper first reports recent developments in the technique of generating such model systems and their utility in studying the “ideal” period in emulsion polymerization. Special precautions are necessary in the use of the slow soap addition techniques since soap starvation can sometimes lead to agitation-controlled reaction rate, and/or latex instability. A convenient-to-use, single-charge formulation for styrene was developed, based on a combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants; this formulation eliminated the mixing problem and produced stable, continuously uniform latices suitable for generalized kinetic studies. Also, data on the development of both Mv and Mv in these systems give some insight into the nature of the reaction. Current steady-state theories and the rationale associated with them predict for the “ideal” period the generation of polymer with constant molecular weight, but a substantial increase in both Mv and Mv is observed. These results suggest that either an unsteady-state mechanism prevails or that our knowledge of the mechanism of initiation is inadequate.
Measured Transitions Between Sticking and Slipping at Lubricated Line Contacts

Sets of unsteady friction experiments are presented. The data allow an interpretation to be made of the principal physical phenomena that occur during the transitions that take place during impending slip or stick in interrupted sliding. The test geometry is that of a lubricated line contact, to which different patterns of velocity oscillation are applied. During acceleration from a rest or near-rest condition, a tangential contact stiffness and a microslip regime are observed before macroscopic sliding takes place. We also note a region of “microstick,” somewhat analogous to microslip, which makes it difficult to unambiguously identify a particular point where sticking actually begins. High frequency vibrations were also monitored, and while interesting, do not appreciably affect the main friciton behavior. The friction behavior is considerably more complicated than for dry contacts. Implications to the modeling of unsteady lubricated friction are discussed.
CIPP, a Novel Multivalent PDZ Domain Protein, Selectively Interacts with Kir4.0 Family Members, NMDA Receptor Subunits, Neurexins, and Neuroligins

Abstract We report a novel multivalent PDZ domain protein, CIPP (for channel-interacting PDZ domain protein), which is expressed exclusively in brain and kidney. Within the brain, the highest CIPP mRNA levels were found in neurons of the cerebellum, inferior colliculus, vestibular nucleus, facial nucleus, and thalamus. Furthermore, we identified the inward rectifier K+(Kir) channel, Kir4.1 (also called “Kir1.2”), as a cellular CIPP ligand. Among several other Kir channels tested, only the closely related Kir4.2 (or “Kir1.3”) also interacted with CIPP. In addition, specific PDZ domains within CIPP associated selectively with the C-termini ofN-methyl- d -aspartate subtypes of glutamate receptors, as well as neurexins and neuroligins, cell surface molecules enriched in synaptic membranes. Thus, CIPP may serve as a scaffold that brings structurally diverse but functionally connected proteins into close proximity at the synapse. The functional consequences of CIPP expression on Kir4.1 channels were studied using whole-cell voltage clamp techniques in Kir4.1 transfected COS-7 cells. On average, Kir4.1 current densities were doubled by cotransfection with CIPP.
Gambling and substance use: co-occurrence among adults in a recent general population study in the United States

This study is an up-to-date examination of gambling behaviors as well as gambling problems and their relationships to substance use and abuse. Further, the co-occurrence between problem gambling and substance abuse is studied using a large-scale, representative sample of adults aged 18 years and older in the United States. This random-digit-dial national survey was carried out in 2011-2013 with completed interviews from 2,963 respondents. Of the four gambling and substance use behaviors considered, past year gambling was the most prevalent (76.9%), followed by alcohol use (67.6%), tobacco use (28.7%) and marijuana use (11.2%). Problem gambling and the three substance abuse measures were highly related. Current problem gambling (3+ DIS criteria) was predicted by being male, being black, having low socioeconomic status and by alcohol abuse/dependence, tobacco dependence, and marijuana abuse/dependence. Thus, problem gambling is linked to other problem behaviors, especially substance abuse. Consequently, effective treatment approaches should screen and intervene for both problem gambling as well as co-occurring substance abuse.
Applications of computational homology to the analysis of treatment response in breast cancer patients

Abstract The experimental method comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array provides a full picture of chromosome amplifications and deletions of an individual's genome. The multi-dimensional nature of these data, however, has not been fully explored. Current methods for CGH analysis focus on specific markers, but deeper understanding can be gained by examining the properties of the overall genomic profile. In this paper we propose a novel method for characterizing CGH profiles mathematically using algebraic homology. We apply our method to breast cancer CGH profiles from patients that have been subjected to different treatments. We show that our results obtained using homology are in agreement with previous studies and are able to distinguish between frequency of cancer recurrence in chemotherapy and non-treated patient populations.
Nonparametric prediction for random fields

Abstract We study prediction for vector valued random fields in a nonparametric setting. The prediction problem is formulated as the problem if estimating certain conditional expectations and a speed of uniform a.s. convergence is obtained, modifying results for conditional empirical processes derived from series with one-dimensional time. As an alternative to the usual mixing conditions we model the dependence by asymptotic decomposability. This includes linear (which generalizes ARMA) fields and random fields with a finite order Volterra expansion. As an example of a linear field we briefly discuss the finite-differences simulation of the heat equation blurred by additive random noise.
Energy-based land use predictors of proximal factors and benthic diatom composition in Florida freshwater marshes

The Landscape Development Intensity index (LDI), which is based on non-renewable energy use and integrates diverse land use activities, was compared to other measures of LU (e.g., %agriculture, %urban) to determine its ability for predicting benthic diatom composition in freshwater marshes of peninsular Florida. In this study, 70 small, isolated herbaceous marshes located along a human disturbance gradient (generally agricultural) throughout peninsular Florida were sampled for benthic diatoms and soil and water physical/chemical parameters (i.e., TP, TKN, pH, specific conductance, etc.). Landscape measures of percent agriculture, percent urban, percent natural, and LDI index values were calculated for a 100 m buffer around each site. The strongest relationships using Mantel's r statistic, which ranges from -1 to 1, were found between benthic diatom composition, the combined soil and water variables, and LDI scores (r=0.51, P<0.0001). Although similar, soil and water variables alone (r=0.45, P<0.0001) or with percent agriculture or percent natural were not as strongly correlated (both Mantel's r=0.46, P<0.0001). Little urban land use was found in the areas surrounding the study wetlands. Diatom data were clustered using flexible beta into 2 groups, and stepwise discriminant analysis identified specific conductance, followed by LDI score, soil pH, water total phosphorus, and ammonia, as cluster-separating variables. The LDI explained slightly more of the variation in species composition than either percent agriculture or percent natural, perhaps because the LDI can combine disparate land uses into a single quantitative value. However, the ecological significance of the difference between land use metrics and diatom composition is controvertible, and additional tests including more varied land uses appear warranted.
Some recent tests of the chronometric cosmology.

Abstract Two papers comparing particular samples of galaxies and quasars with certain predictions of the chronometric cosmology, and reporting significant deviations, are shown not to be altogether correct in their theoretical procedures. It is shown in addition that although the data employed in these papers are in part privately held, published data on similar samples fit the chronometric predictions satisfactorily, and fail to fit nonevolutionary Friedmann models with conventional values for q0. As a check on and a refinement of our statistical analysis, the magnitude bias was removed from several well-documented samples by maximum-likelihood estimation of the individual probabilities in the differential luminosity function, without constraint on its form. The same conclusions as earlier follow, both in the classic regime of bright low-redshift galaxies and that of quasars.
A case with much larger ballistocardiographic forces evoked by beats of pacemaker than by those of sinus origin

Abstract In a patient with intermittent heart block, very large forces shaking the body in all three planes were recorded during runs of beats activated by a transvenous pacemaker. Much smaller forces were noted during runs of sinus rhythm, faster but with more forceful carotid pulses. Phonocardiograms and jugular pulse tracings excluded A-V reflux as a cause of the huge forces shaking the body in systoles of pacemaker origin with a prolonged QRS interval and reduced systolic ejection. It is concluded that aberrant activation of the left ventricle can lead to altered pull on the annulus and mediastinum, shaking the body with a resulting waste of myocardial energy. Similar effects probably occur in some ventricular ectopic beats, in ventricular tachycardia and in some types of left bundle branch block. When runs of sinus rhythm are escaping from heart block with pacemakers, pacing should be set at the slowest rate which will prevent syncope or ectopic rhythms. Thus sinus rhythm, with more effective systolic contractions, will be present as much of the time as possible.
Absurdum Revisited: A Comment

A formal deduction from Hull's theory of extinction could lead us to some strange predictions. As training is continued, with reinforcement on every trial, habit strength approaches an asymptote but conditioned inhibition continues to accumulate. Eventually our S should cease to respond. So runs the redactio ad abswdzcm presented by Gleitman, Nachmias, and Neisser ( 2 ) . Some simple tinkering with Hull's theoretical structure might set the matter right, but in a recent article Calvin and his students ( 1 ) troop to the rescue for Hull unsullied. Their proof turns out to be stranger than Hull's fiction. White rats were trained to traverse an elevated runway for a food reward, and, after a number of trials, the authors' "crucial finding was that all of the Ss extinguished!" (1, p. 53). If this finding were general, the end of the animate world would be in sight, for all learned behavior could be expected to cease in like manner. Before we brace ourselves for death by inaction, however, we might well consider some of the special conditions employed by Calvin and his associates. First, there is good reason to suspect that the rats were not very hungry. They were given 30 trials per day, with 10 sec. of eating per trial, 5 min. in all; as a result, "The Ss devoured virtually all of their ration while in the goal box" (1, p. 52). (This may be a slight exaggeration, since the low drive rats had 20% more to eat than the high drive rats, and presumably none of the latter ran out of food.) The total daily rations were 10 grams of dry food, mixed with water, for the high drive group, and 12 grams for the low drive group. These are large rations, more than some rats can be expected to eat promptly, in my experience, and whatever portion was not eaten during the experimental session was left in the cage, to be consumed possibly as late as a few minutes before the next day's session. The authors' defense against the charge of low drive is magnificently irrelevant. They calculate the median trial within the daily session "on which . . . Ss actually stopped" (1, p. 53). But some Ss may already have been low in hunger at the beginning of the day's session. And even if they were more likely to refuse to run on late trials than on early trials, the session was ended when they stopped running on early trials, and they had no opportunity to demonstrate their unwillingness to run on subsequent trials. Therefore, the median stopping trial is a meaningless value. In the second place, wet food mash, apparently in considerable volume, was available in the goal box as the reinforcement. In other studies using wet mash it has been observed1 that .many animals scoop up large quantities of
Fructose as a carbohydrate source yields stable pH and redox parameters in microcarrier cell culture

Abstract The pH and cytosolic NADH/NAD+ redox potential in microcarrier cultures of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells remain within physiological range when fructose is substituted for glucose in medium formulation. This difference is accounted for by the low rate of lactic acid production in cultures utilizing fructose as a primary carbohydrate source.
Numerical solutions of differential equations for renal concentrating mechanism in inner medullary vasa recta models

Abstract Two vasa recta models of the renal concentrating mechanism are presented. It is shown that by considering the effects of ascending vasa recta permeabilities, interstitial resistance, lateral small scale histotopography, and standard deviations in permeability values, these models lead to significant improvements in collecting duct urea and salt concentration ratios.
Absolute cross-section measurements for collisional destruction of He Rydberg atoms and single electron capture of He+ ions in collision with SF6

Abstract Collisional destruction of 6–40 keV Rydberg helium atoms, having principal quantum numbers in the band 12⩽n⩽15, and single electron capture of 6–34 keV He+ ions in collisions with SF6 gas have been measured. Both cross-sections are in good accord with previous lower energy measurements and, for single electron capture, with estimates based on a semiempirical model. Our measured Rydberg collisional destruction cross-sections have been compared with the sum of the free electron cross-section σe (at equal velocity) and the single electron capture cross-sections σ10 of He+. The data show that the cross-sections for Rydberg collisional destruction are consistent with the independent particle model.
Public opinion on motor vehicle-related injury prevention policies: a systematic review of a decade of research.

Objective: Legislation is an effective strategy for reducing road-related fatalities and injuries. Public opinion can be an impetus for passing new laws and can affect the success of their implementation, but little is known about the current state of public opinion toward existing and proposed road-related policies in the United States. This review describes the scope and results of research on public support for state- and local-level evidence-based motor vehicle– and bicycle-related policies. We identify gaps in our understanding of public support for these policies. Methods: Published U.S. literature and all reports from the NHTSA from the past decade (2003–2012) were searched for data on opinions about existing or proposed policies related to motor vehicle or bicycle injury prevention. Twenty-six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In all, studies reported public opinion about 7 injury prevention topic areas: all-terrain vehicles (n = 1), automated enforcement with red light and speed cameras (...
Molecular basis for lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonist selectivity

Abstract Recent characterization of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors has made possible studies elucidating the structure–activity relationships (SAR) for agonist activity at individual receptors. Additionally, the availability of these receptors has allowed the identification of antagonists of LPA-induced effects. Two receptor-subtype selective LPA receptor antagonists, one selective for the LPA1/EDG2 receptor (a benzyl-4-oxybenzyl N-acyl ethanolamide phosphate, NAEPA, derivative) and the other selective for the LPA3/EDG7 receptor (diacylglycerol pyrophosphate, DGPP, 8:0), have recently been reported. The receptor SAR for both agonists and antagonists are reviewed, and the molecular basis for the difference between agonism and antagonism as well as for receptor-subtype antagonist selectivity identified by molecular modeling is described. The implications of the newly available receptor-subtype selective antagonists are also discussed.
Economic Perspectives on Investments in Teacher Quality.

This article reviews and critiques the ways in which researchers have used both productivity theory and human capital theory in efforts to measure the returns on investments in improving teacher quality. While studies utilizing these theories to measure investment returns provide useful insights, a critical need exists for research that advances our knowledge about the conceptual links between investments in teacher quality policies and improved student performance. The article also discusses several strategies for improving investigations regarding the returns on investments in improving teacher quality, including more refined measurement strategies, clearer conceptual frameworks, and a greater emphasis on resource re-allocation.
Biological effects of dyes on bacteria VI. Mutation induction by acridine orange and methylene blue in the dark with special reference to Escherichia coli WP6 (polA1)

Abstract Acridine orange (AO) and methylene blue (MB) in the dark were shown to be weak to moderate mutagens (induction of resistance to T5 phage) in repair-deficient strains of Escherichia coli B/r. However, strain WP2 (wild-type) was not mutated by AO in the dark, in confirmation of earlier data. The presence of 2 μM AO reduced by 41% the spontaneous mutation rate in strain WP2, from 4.1 to 2.4 mutants/10 8 cells/generation. In the polymerase I-deficient strain WP6 ( polA1 ), 2 μM AO increased the mutation rate in the dark 14-fold. We propose that both spontaneous and AO-induced mutagenesis in the absence of light occur at the site of semiconservative DNA replication. If the intercalation mechanism for the effects in the absence of light is valid, the wild-type strain (WP2) may be resistant to frameshift mutagenesis induced by intercalated compounds, while the polymerase I-deficient strain (WP6) may be highly suceptible to the presence of an intercalated dye such as AO at the DNA-replication fork. MB and AO likely act through different mechanisms since MB is only a moderate mutagen in strain WP6 and the other repair-deficient strains tested.
The Structure of Na3SbTe3: How Ionic and Covalent Bonding Forces Work Together

The compound Na{sub 3}SbTe{sub 3} has been synthesized from the elements and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Na{sub 3}SbTe{sub 3} is cubic, crystallizing in the cP28 structure type (isomorphous with Na{sub 3}AsS{sub 3}); space group P2{sub 1}3 (No. 198); a=9.6114(9) {angstrom}; Z = 4; R1 = 0.0324; wR2 = 0.0561 (I {le} 2{sigma}(I)). The structure consists of isolated sodium cations and trigonal pyramidal [SbTe{sub 3}]{sup {minus}3} anions with a Sb-Te bond length of 2.787(1) {angstrom} and a Te-Sb-Te bond angle of 100.0(1){degrees}. The structure is related to both the Li{sub 3}Bi and K{sub 3}AsS{sub 4}-type structures. Both lattice energy and semiempirical electronic structure calculations are utilized to evaluate various local and long-range structural aspects of this Zintl phase.
Messenger RNA potential and the delay before exponential decay of messages.

Abstract Potential is a parameter of messenger RNA decay that measures the ability of a message population to continue to initiate complete translations. It can be measured from the start of induction using a specific inhibitor of translation-initiation. With very short inductions it can be seen that the potential of the β-galactosidase message is not lost at a constant exponential rate until a time (delay time) approximately equal to the time required to synthesize the β-galactosidase message. The capacity to make enzyme declines only after the induction lag and its subsequent decay shows a somewhat longer delay; unlike potential, capacity is also affected by the variable rate of ribosome movement. The delays in loss of potential and capacity are consistent with either of two mechanisms: (1) the message must be completed before attack at its starting end, or (2) two or more separate events (or hits) with specific time constants are needed to inactivate. Even at very low growth temperatures, functional decay kinetics are consistent with either mechanism, as is the mass decay of β-galactosidase message at 37 °C. Messages for anthranilate synthetase and galactoside acetyl-transferase do not require two hits to inactivate, but the data cannot determine if there is a delay equal to their synthesis time. Either β-galactosidase message is exceptional and, as opposed to other messages, requires two or more hits to be inactivated, or Escherichia coli messages generally do not commence to decay until they are completed.
An integration of Gibsonian and Vygotskian perspectives on changing attitudes in group contexts

Lewin's proposition that it is easier to change people as part of a group than as isolated individuals is given a systems or niche level interpretation in terms of an integration of Vygotskian-Gibsonian perspectives. Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) concept is given an equivalent within the attitude realm in regard to a group-mediated Zone of Potential Change (ZPC). The ZPC is in turn given an ecological elaboration in terms of how concepts such as affordances and attunements may be used to clarify at a process level the role of groups in modifying members' objects of judgement. The Vygotskian concept of activity is used throughout as a means of integrating these approaches in regard to treating change as a system level property of groups.
Long dsRNA but not siRNA initiates RNAi in western corn rootworm larvae and adults

Transgenic maize plants expressing dsRNA targeting western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) v-ATPase subunit C mRNA for RNAi provided significant root protection from WCR larval feeding damage in greenhouse assays compared to negative controls. Transcribed hairpin dsRNA in WCR-resistant maize plants was present as both intact hairpin-derived dsRNA and plant-processed siRNA. Therefore, the ability of dsRNA and siRNA targeting Dv v-ATPase CmRNA to cause an RNAi response was studied in both WCR larvae and adults. In 9-day diet-based feeding assays, dsRNA of at least 60 bp in length resulted in high levels of larval mortality. In contrast, 15-, 25- or 27-bp dsRNAs or pooled 21-bp siRNAs did not cause mortality of exposed larvae. When larvae were fed with diet overlaid with siRNAs, Dv v-ATPase C transcript levels did not change. Conversely, when WCR larvae were fed with diet overlaid with 184-bp dsRNA, the mRNA level was reduced by >20-fold relative to yfp dsRNA negative control. Similarly, 184-bp dsRNA caused 100% mortality of WCR adults, whereas the mortality of adults fed on diet treated with siRNAs was similar to the negative control. Feeding adults with siRNAs on diet did not affect the level of Dv v-ATPase CmRNA transcripts, whereas adults fed with the 184-bp dsRNA showed approximately 35-fold reduction in the target mRNA level. Similar results were obtained with the WCR adults injected with 184-bp dsRNA or 21-bp siRNA. These results suggest that only long dsRNA or hairpin-derived dsRNA is effective in causing lethal knock-down of Dv v-ATPase CmRNA. These results have implications for efficacious plant-delivered dsRNA for the protection of transgenic maize from WCR feeding damage and for the risk assessment of transgenic maize expressing insecticidal dsRNA.
SU‐E‐J‐103: Feasibility of a Quantitative, Patient‐Specific Image Planning System for Radiation Therapy

Purpose: We studied the feasibility of developing an Image Planning System (IPS) for radiotherapy guidance that will allow clinicians to prospectively choose an imaging goal, for example, soft tissuecontrast versus boney anatomy and predict the optimal imaging parameters. The IPS will allow ensure that imagingdose is appropriate for the imaging goal (neither over, nor under dose) and that imaging frequency (for example, real‐time fluoroscopy) is applied with well‐defined and predetermined patient doses. Methods: We characterized a commercial, linear‐accelerator‐mounted diagnostic x‐ray imagingsystem with flat panel detector, in terms of low‐contrast object detectability as a function of patient thickness and x‐ray technique factors. A commercial contrast test object and homogeneous tissue equivalent phantom was used for this. The feasibility of predicting low contrast resolution analytically was tested using a clinical CT scan and a respiratory motion phantom. Optimal image‐acquisition and display parameters where experimentally determined for an anthropomorphic phantom and using clinical images, thus assessing whether soft tissuecontrast is a viable imaging goal. Contrast‐noise ratio and low contrastdetectability where used as metrics. Results: Characteristic curves of the response of the detector demonstrate a broad plateau over which image quality is relatively constant. All combinations of phantom thickness and technique parameters possessed both low‐dose and high‐dose reductions in low contrast quality. Analytical calculations of local soft tissuecontrast predict superior low‐contrast resolution using lower kVp settings (as expected) and are capable of resolving discrete objects. Conclusions: Optimal imaging techniques can be derived from these data in which the feasibility of the imaging goal is assessed, coupled with prospective calculation of technique factors that apply minimal patient dose and allow for maximum imaging repetition. Analytical, energy‐dependent calculation models can be used to predict imagecontrast and plan optimal imagingdose.
Recent Evolutionary Radiation and Host Plant Specialization in the Xylella fastidiosa Subspecies Native to the United States

The bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, infects many plant species in the Americas, making it a good model for investigating the genetics of host adaptation. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify isolates of the native U.S. subsp. multiplex that were largely unaffected by intersubspecific homologous recombination (IHR) and to investigate how their evolutionary history influences plant host specialization. We identified 110 "non-IHR" isolates, 2 minimally recombinant "intermediate" ones (including the subspecific type), and 31 with extensive IHR. The non-IHR and intermediate isolates defined 23 sequence types (STs) which we used to identify 22 plant hosts (73% trees) characteristic of the subspecies. Except for almond, subsp. multiplex showed no host overlap with the introduced subspecies (subspecies fastidiosa and sandyi). MLST sequences revealed that subsp. multiplex underwent recent radiation (<25% of subspecies age) which included only limited intrasubspecific recombination (ρ/θ = 0.02); only one isolated lineage (ST50 from ash) was older. A total of 20 of the STs grouped into three loose phylogenetic clusters distinguished by nonoverlapping hosts (excepting purple leaf plum): "almond," "peach," and "oak" types. These host differences were not geographical, since all three types also occurred in California. ST designation was a good indicator of host specialization. ST09, widespread in the southeastern United States, only infected oak species, and all peach isolates were ST10 (from California, Florida, and Georgia). Only ST23 had a broad host range. Hosts of related genotypes were sometimes related, but often host groupings crossed plant family or even order, suggesting that phylogenetically plastic features of hosts affect bacterial pathogenicity.
Construct validity studies for the draw-a-computer user test

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine a series of substantative questions in order to establish construct validity for the Draw-A-Computer User Test. Construct validity for the instrument was supported by determining that the instrument distinguishes between the attitudes of known groups (males vs. females), exhibits concurrent validity in measuring student attitudes, responds to experimental manipulation, is well correlated with similar instruments, and has appropriate content as affirmed by a panel of expert judges. The Draw-A-Computer User Test appears to exhibit adequate construct validity to warrant its usage as an instrument with which to assess children's attitudes towards computers, computer users, and computer technologies.
Mutator phenotype in cancer: Timing and perspectives†

Normal human cells replicate their DNA with exceptional accuracy. During every division cycle, each daughter cell receives a full and accurate complement of genetic information. It has been estimated that approximately one error occurs during DNA replication for each 109 to 1010 nucleotides polymerized. Stem cells, the cells that are progenitors of cancer, may replicate their genes even more accurately. In contrast, the malignant cells that constitute a tumor are markedly heterogeneous and exhibit multiple chromosomal abnormalities and alterations in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. To account for the disparity between the rarity of mutations in normal cells and the large numbers of mutations present in cancer, we initially hypothesized that during tumor progression, cancer cells must exhibit a mutator phenotype. In this perspective, we summarize the evidence supporting a mutator phenotype in human cancer, analyze recent measurements of mutations in human cancer, consider the timing for the expression of a mutator phenotype, and focus on the important consequences of large numbers of random mutations in human tumors. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural organization in peptide fragments of cytochrome c by heme binding

Abstract Prosthetic groups are often important structural organizers of proteins as well as essential functional components. Insertion of prosthetic groups is usually spontaneous, and implies an apoprotein that is partially preorganized to provide a recognition surface for specific binding. Cytochrome c is distinguished by having its heme attached by a dedicated heme lyase through thioether links to cysteine side-chains, and the apoprotein shows no evidence of preorganization under physiological conditions. Nevertheless, addition of heme to two short fragments of cytochrome c enhances helical structure substantially (from ∼8 % to ∼22 %), an effect that depends on iron ligation but not thioether linkage. The helical segments in the corresponding parts of the native holoprotein have little contact surface with heme, implying that the increased helical structure in the fragment complex may depend on tertiary interactions. The absence of the intervening polypeptide chain suggests that the complex represents a relatively independent folded subdomain.
Mapping a path to the beyond-CMOS technology for computation

The CMOS device technology used for computation is at an inflexion point. Although this is the technology which enabled the Semiconductor industry to make vast progress for the past 30-plus years, it is likely to see challenges going beyond the ten year horizon, particularly with regard to device scaling and energy efficiency. Thus it is extremely important for the semiconductor industry to search for a new device which can carry us to the beyond CMOS era as soon as possible. Currently, researchers are exploring novel device concepts and new information tokens as an alternative for CMOS technology. Examples of areas being actively researched are; quantum electronic devices, such as the tunneling FET, and devices based on spintronics and nano-magnetics. It is clear that choices will need to be made in the next few years to identify viable alternatives for CMOS by 2020. In order to achieve such a goal, benchmarking methodology and metrics need to be defined urgently to guide the research.
How Draconian Are the Changes to US Asylum Law?: A Monthly Time Series Analysis (1990–2010)

How have recent changes to US asylum law altered who gets asylum? We investigate whether the changes wrought by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) and the Real ID Act changed the decision making of immigration judges in asylum cases. We find, contrary to much of the commentary surrounding both IIRIRA and Real ID, that immigration judges became more likely to grant applicants asylum. Furthermore, we find that those applicants who are most at-risk of persecution in the countries they are fleeing are also the applicants most likely to be granted relief—a fact that became increasingly true with the implementation of IIRIRA and Real ID.
Preimplantation embryo metabolism and culture systems: experience from domestic animals and clinical implications

Despite advantages of in vitro embryo production in many species, widespread use of this technology is limited by generally lower developmental competence of in vitro derived embryos compared to in vivo counterparts. Regardless, in vivo or in vitro gametes and embryos face and must adjust to multiple microenvironments especially at preimplantation stages. Moreover, the embryo has to be able to further adapt to environmental cues in utero to result in the birth of live and healthy offspring. Enormous strides have been made in understanding and meeting stage-specific requirements of preimplantation embryos, but interpretation of the data is made difficult due to the complexity of the wide array of culture systems and the remarkable plasticity of developing embryos that seem able to develop under a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, a primary objective remains meeting, as closely as possible, the preimplantation embryo requirements as provided in vivo. In general, oocytes and embryos develop more satisfactorily when cultured in groups. However, optimization of individual culture of oocytes and embryos is an important goal and area of intensive current research for both animal and human clinical application. Successful culture of individual embryos is of primary importance in order to avoid ovarian superstimulation and the associated physiological and psychological disadvantages for patients. This review emphasizes stage specific shifts in embryo metabolism and requirements and research to optimize in vitro embryo culture conditions and supplementation, with a view to optimizing embryo culture in general, and culture of single embryos in particular.
A23: Favorable Response to Belimumab in Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background/Purpose: Belimumab (Benlysta) is a human monoclonal antibody inhibiting soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2011 for treatment of active, autoantibody-positive, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults. To date, there have been no published data on the use of belimumab in childhood-onset SLE. Methods: This is a case series of patients with childhood-onset SLE treated with belimumab at our institution. Data were collected on demographic and disease characteristics, clinical manifestations requiring treatment, concomitant medications, disease course, and treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used when appropriate. Results: We describe 7 patients with childhood-onset SLE treated with belimumab, 5 of whom are still receiving belimumab infusions at our institution, with a mean follow-up of 9.3 months on belimumab. The mean age was 18.5 years old, mean disease duration 5.8 years at initiation of belimumab. Eighty-six percent of the patients were female, 57% African American, 28% Hispanic, and 14% Caucasian. All patients were taking other background medications prior to initiation of belimumab (hydroxychloroquine 7/7, prednisone 7/7, azathioprine 2/7, mycophenolate mofetil 3/7). The most common indications for initiation of therapy were the inability to taper steroids (100%, mean prednisone equivalent dose 0.54mg/kg/day), rash (43%), fatigue (29%), and arthritis (14%), accompanied by worsening serologic activity (increasing anti-dsDNA titers and hypocomplementemia). At the last follow-up (mean 9.3 months after initiation of belimumab), average SLEDAI decreased from 6.4 to 4. We were able to taper steroids in 57% of patients, with 3/7 (43%) able to completely discontinue steroids. The average complement levels increased from 71 to 74 (lower limit of normal 83) for C3 and 8 to 10 (lower limit of normal 16) for C4. Six of the seven patients clinically responded to belimumab within three months, with marked improvement in rash, arthritis, and fatigue. Six of seven patients tolerated infusions well, with 1 patient who discontinued treatment due to recurrent vaginal moniliasis. Conclusion: This is the first study investigating the use of belimumab in childhood-onset SLE across major ethnic groups. Our data demonstrate favorable clinical outcomes including the discontinuation of steroids in 3/7 (43%) of our patients, and improvement in C3 and C4 as early as 3 months after the initiation of belimumab, suggesting a quicker onset of action for belimumab in children than that observed in adult studies, which may support a larger role for belimumab in childhood-onset SLE.
Paroxysmal laryngospasm secondary to gastroesophageal reflux

Over a 2-year period (1992 to 1994), 12 consecutive adult patients with paroxysmal laryngospasm were prospectively studied. All had had other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) ; however, only 4 (33%) experienced symptoms of heartburn. Each patient underwent fiberoptic laryngeal examination, barium swallow/esophagography, and ambulatory, 24-hour, double-probe pH monitoring (pH-metry). Eleven (92%) of the 12 patients had evidence of GER on examination, and 10 (83%) had abnormal pH-metry, including 3 who demonstrated pharyngeal reflux while having normal total acid exposure times in the esophageal probe. All the patients responded to antireflux treatment, using dietary and lifestyle modifications and omeprazole, with complete cessation of the laryngospastic episodes. This study documents the role of GER in the etiology of paroxysmal laryngospasm, it highlights the advantages of double-probe pH-metry in diagnosing this extraesophageal manifestation of GER, and it demonstrates that antireflux therapy with omeprazole is effective in controlling GER-induced laryngospasm.
Coulomb Corrections to Delbrück Scattering

Observation of Delbr\"uck scattering is most feasible on heavy elements and in the 1-3 Mev region, where the Born approximation is expected to be very poor. The Coulomb corrections to the known forward scattering amplitude in Born approximation can be computed with the aid of the dispersion relations, making use of theoretical and experimental knowledge of the total cross section for pair production. Explicit calculations are carried out for a lead target. The results show that the corrections are effectively much smaller than anticipated. In the energy region of interest the corrections to the dispersive amplitude are only a few percent. The corrections to the absorptive amplitude are largest (a factor of two near 1.33 Mev) where this amplitude is negligible compared to the dispersive scattering amplitude.
Extraction methods for removing soybean alpha-galactosides and improving true metabolizable energy for poultry

Abstract Various extraction methods were used to remove the alpha-galactosides stachyose and raffinose from soybean meal. The treatments included varying lengths of 80% ethanol extraction, with or without follow-up water washes, acidic water extractions, and an isopropyl alcohol extraction. All extraction methods resulted in a decreased concentration of alpha-galactosides in the soybean protein. An 80% ethanol extraction followed by a water wash resulted in the most efficient combination of alpha-galactoside removal and dry matter recovery.
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia: a single-institution experience

Abstract Background T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia is an uncommon, aggressive, mature T-cell leukemia characterized by proliferation of T-cell lymphocytes. The recent availability of modern immunophenotypic and molecular tools has allowed a better distinction of this disorder from its B-cell counterpart and other mature T-cell leukemias. Patients and Methods The clinical, pathologic, and cytogenetic features of 57 patients with T-PLL who were evaluated at the Department of Leukemia, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) from 1986 to 2004 were examined. Results The most common cytogenetic abnormality was inv(14)(q11;q32), which was present in 7 patients. In all 7 patients, this abnormality was associated with other chromosomal aberrations. Patients treated with alemtuzumab at MDACC had a significantly better response rate ( P = 0.02) and survival rate ( P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in survival based on Tcl-1 expression or different patterns of CD4 and CD8 expression. Conclusion Treatment with alemtuzumab results in higher response rates and a better survival rate in patients with T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia.
Drug-target identification in Drosophila cells: combining high-throughout RNAi and small-molecule screens

RNA interference (RNAi) and small-molecule approaches are synergistic on multiple levels, from technology and high-throughput screen development to target identification and functional studies. Here, we describe the RNAi screening platform that we have established and made available to the community through the Drosophila RNAi Screening Center at Harvard Medical School. We then illustrate how the combination of RNAi and small-molecule HTS can lead to effective identification of targets in drug discovery.
COGNITIVE ABILITIES IN READING‐DISABLED CHILDREN: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY*

Longitudinal psychometric test data collected at two different ages (9.4 +/- 1.3 and 14.8 +/- 1.2 years) were utilized to compare the developmental rates of 69 pairs of reading-disabled and matched control children. Results of a two-factor (GROUP X TIME), mixed-model, multivariate analysis of variance indicated that reading-disabled children manifested deficits on measures of academic achievement, symbolic processing speed and spatial reasoning abilities at both ages. Although both reading-disabled and control children were found to improve significantly between the two testing sessions, the lack of a significant GROUP X TIME interaction on measures of academic achievement and spatial reasoning abilities indicated that the rate of development was similar for the two groups. For measures of symbolic processing speed, however, differences between reading-disabled and control children were somewhat greater at the later age.
Toxic effects of oxygen on cerebral metabolism.

— The effect of 100% O2 at one atmosphere on carbohydrate metabolism in cell-free homogenates of rat brain was studied under different experimental conditions. The principal findings were the following: 1 Compared to 10% O2-90% N2, oxygen at one atmosphere inhibited metabolism of α-oxoglutarate and depressed the net synthesis of ATP. With glucose as substrate, accumulation of ATP was also markedly inhibited but substrate utilization was only slightly affected. 2 Glycolysis in brain was relatively resistant to oxygen toxicity, except in the presence of added Cu2+. 3 With α-oxoglutarate as the substrate, inhibition of the formation of ATP occurred earlier than inhibition of substrate utilization, indicating the particular sensitivity of oxidative phosphorylation to inactivation by oxygen in vitro. 4 Cu2+ and Fe2+ accentuated oxygen toxicity but appeared to act by different mechanisms. Co2+ exerted a protective effect. 5 The sulphydryl compounds, dithiothreitol and reduced glutathione, strongly diminished the toxic effect of oxygen.
Urinalysis in Acute Care of Adults: Pitfalls in Testing and Interpreting Results

Unnecessary antibiotics cause resistance, Clostridium difficile diarrhea, side-effects, and allergic reactions [1–3]. Inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria has been a target of quality improvement efforts, including efforts to promulgate a national quality improvement measure from the Infectious Diseases Society of America [3–7]. The problem of inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria has been studied most in long-term care facilities but less in acute-care settings, such as the emergency department (ED) [6]. There are 130 million US ED visits each year, accounting for 11% of ambulatory healthcare visits and half of hospital admissions [5, 6]. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the 4th most common diagnosis among women aged ≥65 years [8]. The ED has been identified as an important site for antibiotic stewardship, but these considerations apply to all acute-care settings that perform urine tests [9]. Among the millions of acute-care diagnoses of UTI, it is difficult to know how many are correct and how many courses of antibiotics are justified. One study concluded that 27% of ED patients with positive urine cultures had asymptomatic bacteriuria not UTI [10]. Another study found that the prevalence of positive culture among elderly ED patients with no symptoms was similar to that among those with vague symptoms such as delirium, for which urinalysis is frequently done [11]. We report data from a prospective observational study of ED patients undergoing urinalysis. We describe symptoms and signs, sampling technique, test characteristics, and antibiotic use. Our objective is to look beneath the surface of this deceptively simple test, to identify the complexities that impair quality practice, and to provide a framework that can resolve these complexities to benefit future practice and research.