cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finding Dense Subgraphs via Low-Rank Bilinear Optimization

Given a graph, the Densest k-Subgraph (DkS) problem asks for the subgraph on k vertices that contains the largest number of edges. In this work, we develop a new algorithm for DkS that searches a low-dimensional space for provably dense subgraphs. Our algorithm comes with novel performance bounds that depend on the graph spectrum. Our graph-dependent bounds are surprisingly tight for real-world graphs where we find subgraphs with density provably within 70% of the optimum. These guarantees are significantly tighter than the best available worst case a priori bounds. Our algorithm runs in nearly linear time, under spectral assumptions satisfied by most graphs found in applications. Moreover, it is highly scalable and parallelizable. We demonstrate this by implementing it in MapReduce and executing numerous experiments on massive real-world graphs that have up to billions of edges. We empirically show that our algorithm can find subgraphs of significantly higher density compared to the previous state of the art.
Interior Point Methods for Nonlinear Optimization

Interior-point methods (IPMs) are among the most efficient methods for solving linear, and also wide classes of other convex optimization problems. Since the path-breaking work of Karmarkar [48], much research was invested in IPMs. Many algorithmic variants were developed for Linear Optimization (LO). The new approach forced to reconsider all aspects of optimization problems. Not only the research on algorithms and complexity issues, but implementation strategies, duality theory and research on sensitivity analysis got also a new impulse. After more than a decade of turbulent research, the IPM community reached a good understanding of the basics of IPMs. Several books were published that summarize and explore different aspects of IPMs. The seminal work of Nesterov and Nemirovski [63] provides the most general framework for polynomial IPMs for convex optimization. Den Hertog [42] gives a thorough survey of primal and dual path-following IPMs for linear and structured convex optimization problems. Jansen [45] discusses primal-dual target following algorithms for linear optimization and complementarity problems.Wright [93] also concentrates on primal-dual IPMs, with special attention on infeasible IPMs, numerical issues and local, asymptotic convergence properties. The volume [80] contains 13 survey papers that cover almost all aspects of IPMs, their extensions and some applications. The book of Ye [96] is a rich source of polynomial IPMs not only for LO, but for convex optimization problems as well. It extends the IPM theory to derive bounds and approximations for classes of nonconvex optimization problems as well. Finally, Roos, Terlaky and Vial [72] present a thorough treatment of the IPM based theory - duality, complexity, sensitivity analysis - and wide classes of IPMs for LO.
Citizen Diplomacy to Youth Activism: The Story of the Global Thinking Project

Thirty years ago, a Russian train left Helsinki for Moscow carrying psychologists and educators from North America who were participants in the first citizen diplomacy project sponsored by the Association for Humanistic Psychology (AHP). That train trip was the start of a 20-year Track-II1 Diplomacy Project, and evolved into a global teacher and student environmental activist project that brought together hundreds of teachers and students not only from the United States and the former Soviet Union, but colleagues and students in many other countries including Australia, the Czech Republic, and Spain.
Effect of wind and water shear on wave instabilities

The effect of vorticity or shear on the inviscid evolution and instability of surface waves is discussed. The instability of a flat surface is considered in detail. For the case of shear in the water, the instability is examined by means of Howard's semi-circle theorem, which is shown to elucidate the qualitative nature of the instability domain. This can then be determined numerically without recourse to analysis of the critical layer. The dependence of growth rate on the air profile for the case of wind blowing over water at rest is similarly considered. For bounded laminar profiles, the results are found to be sensitive to the profile shape, and Miles's approximate formula is found to be inaccurate. On the other hand, for unbounded logarithmic profiles, the growth rates are relatively insensitive to the profile shape. However, there is still disagreement between numerical calculations and Miles's formula, which overestimates the growth rate by a factor of two. A simple model is presented for the case of shear in both water and air.
Towards a Generic Algorithm for Identifying High-Quality Decompositions of Optimization Problems

Abstract Optimization is a ubiquitous tool in process systems engineering which is being used on models of ever-increasing size and complexity. Decomposition solution approaches can be powerful tools for solving difficult optimization problems but are dependent on finding a partition of variables and constraints amenable to the solution approach. In this paper, we propose an automated, generic method for decomposing optimization problems using community detection. This method generates subproblems which are tightly interacting amongst themselves but weakly interacting with other subproblems, thus minimizing the amount of coordination required in the solution approach. We demonstrate the ability of our method to find solutions faster than solving the original problem in many cases.
"Planting the Seed": Perceived Benefits of and Strategies for Discussing Long-Term Prognosis with Older Adults.

Objectives To characterize the goals and approaches of clinicians with experience discussing long‐term prognostic information with older adults. Design We used a semistructured interview guide containing 2 domains of perceived benefits and strategies to explore why and how clinicians choose to discuss long‐term prognosis, defined as life expectancy on the scale of years, with patients. Setting Clinicians from home‐based primary care practices, community‐based clinics, and academic medical centers across San Francisco. Participants Fourteen physicians, including 11 geriatricians and 1 geriatric nurse practitioner, with a mean age of 40 and a mean 9 years in practice. Measurements Clinician responses were analyzed qualitatively using the constant comparisons approach. Results Perceived benefits of discussing long‐term prognosis included establishing realistic expectations for patients, encouraging conversations about future planning, and promoting shared decision‐making through understanding of patient goals of care. Communication strategies included adapting discussions to individual patient preferences and engaging in multiple conversations over time. Clinicians preferred to communicate prognosis in words and with a visual aid, although most did not know of a suitable visual aid. Conclusion Engaging in customized longitudinal discussions of long‐term prognosis aids clinicians in anchoring conversations about future planning and preparing patients for the end of life. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2367–2371, 2018.
Purcell Enhancement in 1-D ITO-slot Photonic Crystal Nanobeam Cavity

We report a Silicon-slot waveguide incorporating an active-ITO layer 1-D photonic crystal nanobeam cavity delivering ~3.4 nm tuning keeping Q-factor moderately high. The sub-diffraction limited mode volume (0.1(λ/2n)3) facilitates a high Purcell factor exceeding 4000.
Marketing and the Religious Right: An Application of the Parallel Political Marketplace Conceptualization:

This article uses the parallel-political marketplace conceptualization as a framework for describing the use of economic and political power by the religious right in attempting to constrain certai...
The Stem Cell Phenotype of Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells

Aggressive cancer cells are characterized by their capacity to proliferate indefinitely and to propagate a heterogeneous tumor comprised of subpopulations with varying degrees of metastatic propensity and drug resistance properties. Particularly daunting is the challenge we face in the field of oncology of effectively targeting heterogeneous tumor cells expressing a variety of markers, especially those associated with a stem cell phenotype. This dilemma is especially relevant in breast cancer, where therapy is based on traditional classification schemes, including histological criteria, differentiation status, and classical receptor markers. However, not all patients respond in a similar manner to standard-of-care therapy, thereby necessitating the need to identify and evaluate novel biomarkers associated with the difficult-to-target stem cell phenotype and drug resistance. Findings related to the convergence of embryonic and tumorigenic signaling pathways have identified the embryonic morphogen Nodal as a promising new oncofetal target that is reactivated only in aggressive cancers, but not in normal tissues. The work presented in this paper confirms previous studies demonstrating the importance of Nodal as a cancer stem cell molecule associated with aggressive breast cancer, and advances the field by providing new findings showing that Nodal is not targeted by standard-of-care therapy in breast cancer patients. Most noteworthy is the linkage found between Nodal expression and the drug resistance marker ATP-binding cassette member 1 (ABCA1), which may provide new insights into developing combinatorial approaches to overcome drug resistance and disease recurrence.
Won’t Get Fooled Again: Wittgensteinian Philosophy and the Rhetoric of Empiricism

The debate surrounding eliminative materialism, and the role of empiricism more broadly, has been one of the more prominent philosophical debates of the last half-century. But too often what is at stake in this debate has been left implicit. This essay surveys the rhetoric of two participants in this debate, Paul Churchland and Thomas Nagel, on the question of whether or not scientific explanations will do away with the need for nonscientific descriptions. Both philosophers talk about this possibility in language reminiscent of revolutionary politics. These authors do not see eliminative materialism merely as an idea to be evaluated, but a revolution to be welcomed or quashed. After surveying their rhetoric, the paper turns to the work of four philosophers—G.E.M. Anscombe, Peter Winch, Paul Holmer, and G.H. von Wright—to suggest that there is within Wittgensteinian tradition a ‘nonrevolutionary’ approach to the question of eliminative materialism.
Monitoring Damage Progression in Center-Notched Boron/Aluminum Laminates Through Acoustic Emission

This study concentrated on monitoring damage initiation and progression through acoustic emission in center-notched boron/aluminum laminates subjected to quasistatic tensile loading. Laminates studied include [0] 8 , [90] 8 , [′45] 2 s , [0/90] 2 s , [0/′45/0] s , and [0/′45/90], 5.6-mil boron/aluminum 6061-F. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of the acoustic emission technique for locating existing damage, detecting and tracking damage initiation and progression, identifying potential fracture sites, and distinguishing among the major failure mechanisms of the different laminates. Emphasis was placed on developing the proper test methodology for characterizing a new composite material system through acoustic emission. For base-line data, mechanical properties, fracture behavior, and deformation characteristics were studied and acoustic emission was recorded for the composite constituents (namely, fiber and matrix) as well. A good degree of reproducibility has been established. Acoustic emission results could be correlated with the deformation characteristics of the subject material, and failure modes and processes for the various laminates could be identified.
Dosimetric advantages of proton beam therapy compared to intensity-modulated radiation therapy for retroperitoneal chordoma.

Retroperitoneal chordomas are exceedingly rare and account for less than 5% of all primary bone malignancies. Their etiology remains unknown. We report a rare case of an extravertebral chordoma of ...
Rate of Complete Catheterization of Schlemm's Canal and Trabeculotomy Success in Primary and Secondary Childhood Glaucomas

Purpose Despite the increasing use of microcatheters to perform 360-degree trabeculotomy, the rate of complete Schlemm's canalization in different forms of pediatric glaucoma is under-reported. Design Retrospective institutional observational case series. Methods Ocular diagnoses and surgical details of 60 pediatric patients (≤18 years old) who underwent trabeculotomy between 2013 and 2019 were collected. Surgical success was defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 5-20 mm Hg and no additional IOP-lowering surgery. Results Eighty-five eyes of 60 patients underwent trabeculotomy. For bilateral cases, the first eye to undergo surgery was included for analysis. Diagnoses included primary congenital glaucoma (PCG n = 22), juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG n = 16), glaucoma following cataract surgery (GFCS n = 15), and other secondary forms of glaucoma (n = 7). Canalization using a microcatheter was attempted in 52 of 60 eyes (87%) of which 21 (40%) achieved full 360-degree. Complete canalization was attained in 69% of JOAG patients, which was significantly higher than in PCG patients (22%; P = 0.007), but not GFCS (36%) and other secondary glaucoma (29%). The 5-year survival rate for all eyes was 75% with 95% confidence interval (CI), 57 to 86. Survival curves for 360-degree catheter, 270-degree to 360-degree combined catheter/Harms trabeculotome, and Conclusions A 360-degree catheter trabeculotomy is highly effective in obtaining IOP control; however, complete canalization of Schlemm's canal is most frequently achieved in JOAG patients. Congenital anomalies or scarring from previous surgeries, which prevents full canalization, may inherently decrease success of angle surgery in other glaucoma.
Family structure and youth illicit drug use, use disorder, and treatment services utilization

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to examine family structure’s relation to youth illicit drug use, use disorders, and treatment services utilization. Methods Using pooled data from the 2015 to 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined the prevalence of youth (12–17 years old) past-year and lifetime illicit drug use (N = 41,579), drug use disorders among each type of drug users (n = 149–5,445), and treatment service utilization among youth with drug use disorders (n = 1,335) across two-parent, one-parent, and no-parent families. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression models were used to compare differences across family structure. Results On average about 25% youth ever used illicit drugs, 20% of the past-year users had a drug use disorder, and less than 10% of the past-year users with disorders received treatment services. Family structure was associated with drug use prevalence, in particular, the use of marijuana, heroin/cocaine/methamphetamine, and hallucinogens, but was not related to the rate of drug use disorders and treatment service utilization, even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions The findings suggest that family structure is associated with youth drug use initiation but not drug use disorders or treatment service utilization. Youth in single and non-parent families are especially vulnerable to drug use initiation and should be specifically targeted by prevention programs.
"I'm not Gonna Die Because of an STD": Female African American Adolescents' Perspectives on how they Protected Themselves from Sexual Risks While in Foster Care.

Abstract Purpose Youth in foster care are at greater risk for engaging in sexual behaviors that increase their odds of experiencing negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe challenges faced by female African American adolescents in foster care as they tried to protect themselves from SRH risks and protective beliefs and behaviors to avoid these risks. Design and methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 female African American adolescents, ages 18–20 years, with a history of foster care placement during adolescence. Purposive sampling was done to recruit participants from a metropolitan area in Virginia. Transcribed interviews underwent inductive thematic analysis. This paper focuses on the theme of protection from SRH risks and its subthemes of challenges that made it difficult to avoid sexual risks and protective beliefs and behaviors that facilitated avoidance of those risks. Results Participants reported yearning for connection, partners' desire to not use condoms, and judgmental caregivers as challenges. Protective beliefs and behaviors included open communication with their caregivers about SRH, abstinence, contraceptive use, and participants' desire to be healthy. Conclusions Study findings shed light on protective beliefs and behaviors female youth in foster care used to safeguard themselves from negative SRH outcomes. Youth at times lacked agency in sexual decision-making and contraceptive use. Practice implications Findings highlight the importance of sexual relationships and partner communication related to contraceptive use, and offering trauma-informed interventions, including culturally sensitive counseling regarding long acting reversible contraception.
Impact of Rapid Transition to Telemedicine-Based Delivery on Allergy/Immunology Care During COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) necessitated wide-scale adoption of telemedicine (TM) and restriction of in-person care. The impacts on allergy/immunology (A/I) care delivery are still being studied. OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of rapid transition to TM-based care (video visit followed by in-person visits dedicated to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures when needed) at an academic A/I practice during COVID-19. METHODS: Demographic data were compared for patients originally scheduled for in-person visits between March 10, 2020, and April 30, 2020, who completed a video visit instead between March 10, 2020, and June 30, 2020, and those who did not. Appointment completion, diagnoses, and drug allergy and skin testing completion were compared for visits between March 10, 2020, and June 30, 2020, and 1 year prior (March 10, 2019-June 30, 2019). RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent (265 of 382) of patients originally scheduled between March 10, 2020, and April 30, 2020, were able to complete video visits. Patients who completed video visits were more likely to be white (52% vs 33%; P < .001), English-speaking (96% vs 89%; P = .01), and privately insured (70% vs 54%; P = .004). With TM-based care compared with in-person care, there were significant decreases in environmental and food skin testing completion rates (91% and 92% in 2019 vs 60% and 64% in 2020, respectively, P < .001). Drug allergy testing completed after internal referral remained low but comparable (51% in 2019 vs 52% in 2020). Transitioning nonprocedural visits to video allowed allergen immunotherapy and biologic injection visits to resume at a volume similar to pre-COVID. No COVID-19 infections resulted from in-clinic exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Although transitioning to TM-based care allowed continued A/I care delivery, strategies are needed to achieve higher testing completion rates and ensure video visits do not exacerbate existing health disparities.
Human-Technology Interaction Factors Associated With the Use of Electronic Personal Health Records Among Younger and Older Adults: Secondary Data Analysis

Background: An electronic personal health record (ePHR), also known as a personal health record (PHR), has been broadly defined as an electronic application through which individuals can access, manage, and share their health information in a secure and confidential environment. Although ePHRs can benefit individuals as well as caregivers and health care providers, the use of ePHRs among individuals continues to remain low. Objective: The current study aims to examine the relationship between human-technology interaction factors and ePHR use among adults and then to compare the different effects of human-technology interaction factors on ePHR use between younger adults (18-54 years old) and older adults (55 years of age and over). Methods: We analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5 cycle 3) collected from US adults aged 18 years old and over in 2019. Descriptive analysis was conducted for all variables and each item of ePHR use. Bivariate tests (Pearson correlation coefficient for categorical variable and F test for continuous variables) were conducted over 2 age groups. Finally, after adjustments were made for sociodemographics and health care resources, a weighted multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the relationship between human-technology interaction factors and ePHR use. Results: The final sample size of 1363 (average age 51.19) was divided into 2 age groups: 18 to 54 years old and 55 years old and older. The average level of ePHR use was low (mean 2.76, range 0-8). There was no significant difference in average ePHR use between the 2 age groups. Including clinical notes was positively related to ePHR use in both groups: 18 to 54 years old (β=.28, P=.005), 55 years old and older (β=.15, P=.006). Although accessing ePHRs using a smartphone app was only associated with ePHR use among younger adults (β=.29; P<.001), ease of understanding health information in ePHRs was positively linked to ePHR use only among older adults (β=.13; P=.003). Conclusions: This study found that including clinical notes was positively related to ePHR use in both age groups, which suggested that including clinical notes as a part of ePHRs might improve the effective use of ePHRs among patients. Moreover, accessing ePHRs using a smartphone app was associated with higher ePHR use among younger adults while ease of understanding health information in ePHRs was linked to higher ePHR use among older adults. The design of ePHRs should provide the option of being accessible through mobile devices to promote greater ePHR use among young people. For older adults, providers could add additional notes to explain the health information recorded in the ePHRs.
Role of Periostin in Epithelial Injury

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is commonly represented by Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. A major characteristic of ...
Developing LMF-XML Bilingual Dictionaries for Colloquial Arabic Dialects

The Linguistic Data Consortium and Georgetown University Press are collaborating to create updated editions of bilingual diction- aries that had originally been published in the 1960's for English-speaking learners of Moroccan, Syrian and Iraqi Arabic. In their first editions, these dictionaries used ad hoc Latin-alphabet orthography for each colloquial Arabic dialect, but adopted some proper- ties of Arabic-based writing (collation order of Arabic headwords, clitic attachment to word forms in example phrases); despite their common features, there are notable differences among the three books that impede comparisons across the dialects, as well as com- parisons of each dialect to Modern Standard Arabic. In updating these volumes, we use both Arabic script and International Pho- netic Alphabet orthographies; the former provides a common basis for word recognition across dialects, while the latter provides dialect-specific pronunciations. Our goal is to preserve the full content of the original publications, supplement the Arabic headword inventory with new usages, and produce a uniform lexicon structure expressible via the Lexical Markup Framework (LMF, ISO 24613). To this end, we developed a relational database schema that applies consistently to each dialect, and HTTP-based tools for searching, editing, workflow, review and inventory management.
Impact of Horizontal Gene Transfer on the Evolution of Salmonella Pathogenesis

The establishment of a phylogenetic tree is a prerequisite for studying the evolution of virulence. The current nomenclature of the genus Salmonella is based on this phylogenetic tree and distinguishes only two species: Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori. If acquisition of SPI-1 introduced a virulence factor required for the pathogenesis of diarrheal disease, then mutational inactivation of this determinant should attenuate Salmonella serotypes in animal models of gastroenteritis. The contribution of the invasion-associated type III secretion system to serotype Typhimurium pathogenesis in this animal model has recently been investigated using strains carrying mutations in hilA and prgH. The majority of antibodies elicited by immunization with heat-killed serotype Typhimurium or with a live-attenuated serotype Typhimurium aroA vaccine is directed against the immunodominant O-antigen. Mathematical models predict that in this between-serotype competition, the serotype with higher transmissibility will dominate and eventually eliminate its competitor. The generation of O-antigen polymorphism through horizontal gene transfer was therefore a likely mechanism that allowed Salmonella serotypes to adapt to the enhanced immune memory encountered in warm-blooded hosts. The fljB gene is present in biphasic S. enterica subspecies but absent from monophasic S. enterica subspecies and Escherichia coli, suggesting its acquisition by horizontal gene transfer. A primary pathogen can be defined as an organism capable of entering a host and finding a unique niche to multiply and avoid or subvert the host defenses, the outcome of which may be clinical disease manifestations.
Approximation algorithms for intersection graphs

We study three complexity parameters that in some sense measure how chordal-like a graph is. The similarity to chordal graphs is used to construct simple polynomial-time approximation algorithms with constant approximation ratio for many NP-hard problems, when restricted to graphs for which at least one of the three complexity parameters is bounded by a constant. As applications we present approximation algorithms with constant approximation ratio for maximum weighted independent set, minimum (independent) dominating set, minimum vertex coloring, maximum weighted clique, and minimum clique partition for large classes of intersection graphs.
Random Variate Generation

This article outlines (i) techniques for the generation of random variates using density-based and hazard-based methods, (ii) techniques for the generation of certain stochastic point processes that are useful in stochastic modeling, and (iii) further reading in the area of generation of random objects. The accurate modeling of failure time distributions is critical for the development of valid Monte Carlo and discrete-event simulation models. Once an accurate model has been established, it is oftentimes the case that the complexity of the model requires an analysis by simulation. The associated variate generation algorithms for common stochastic models are introduced in this article. Keywords: discrete-event simulation; Monte Carlo simulation; point processes; random variates
Standard Clinical Evaluation

The clinical evaluation of women presenting with genital tract complaints requires a standard approach that leads to an objective, reproducible evaluation. This is a critical point to understand given the diverse conditions that are being evaluated. These diverse conditions, however, often have very closely overlapping clinical presentations, requiring the standard approach to maximize diagnostic accuracy and optimize outcomes. In general, the evaluation of women with lower genital tract complaints without physical examination and/or laboratory testing has been demonstrated to be suboptimal. Self-diagnosis has also been demonstrated to be inaccurate, and is generally discouraged. The syndromic management of women, based on subjective presentation alone, has been used in developing countries (and still is in certain settings) where a health infrastructure is lacking. However, thorough and careful history-taking, physical examination, and selected laboratory methods can significantly improve objectivity and, whenever possible, are strongly recommended in developed nations with an existent healthcare infrastructure. A recommended and reproducible approach to all women with lower genital tract complaints is described below. Clinical evaluation
Proposal for axion dark matter detection using an LC circuit.

We show that dark matter axions cause an oscillating electric current to flow along magnetic field lines. The oscillating current induced in a strong magnetic field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}}_{0}$ produces a small magnetic field ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}}_{a}$. We propose to amplify and detect ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{B}}_{a}$ using a cooled $LC$ circuit and a very sensitive magnetometer. This appears to be a suitable approach to searching for axion dark matter in the $1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}7}$ to $1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}9}\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$ mass range.
Relative Contribution of Adipose Triglyceride Lipase and Hormone-sensitive Lipase to Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α)-induced Lipolysis in Adipocytes

TNF-α potently stimulates basal lipolysis in adipocytes, which may contribute to hyperlipidemia and peripheral insulin resistance in obesity. Recent studies show that adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) act sequentially in catalyzing the first two steps of adipose lipolysis in response to β-adrenergic stimulation. Here, we sought to determine their functional roles in TNF-α-induced lipolysis. Silencing of ATGL expression in adipocytes almost completely abolished basal and TNF-α-induced glycerol release. In comparison, the glycerol release under the same conditions was only partially decreased upon reduction in expression of either HSL or the ATGL coactivator CGI-58. Interestingly, overexpression of ATGL restored the lipolytic rates in cells with silenced HSL or CGI-58, indicating a predominant role for ATGL. While expression of ATGL, HSL and CGI-58 remains mostly unaffected, TNF-α treatment caused a rapid abrogation of the ATGL inhibitory protein G0S2. TNF-α drastically decreased the level of G0S2 mRNA, and the level of G0S2 protein could be maintained by inhibiting proteasomal protein degradation using MG-132. Furthermore, coexpression of G0S2 was able to significantly decrease TNF-α-stimulated lipolysis mediated by overexpressed ATGL or CGI-58. We propose that the early reduction in G0S2 content is permissive for TNF-α-induced lipolysis.
Risk Management for Medical Devices

This article discusses basic concepts of risk management and regulation of medical devices. Risk management is a procedure to reduce the risks involved with a medical device whereas the regulation of medical devices is a public health tool to assure the safety and effectiveness of devices introduced into the market place. Both risk management and regulation are interrelated and take place throughout the entire life cycle of the device, from design through maintenance and obsolescence. As the risks associated with the use of a medical device may vary with the environment where they are used, (e.g., hospital, clinical, home), the risks must be identified and acceptance criteria established to assure that the device perform safely and effectively in its intended environment. Keywords: risk management; medical device regulation; home use
Heat capacity of Na0.3CoO2·1.3H2O

Abstract The superconducting-state heat capacity of Na 0.3 CoO 2 · 1.3 H 2 O shows the presence of two distinctly different energy gaps and line nodes.
Integration of seamless design, analysis and manufacturing concepts into undergraduate mechanics courses

Summary form only given. In this paper, several projects that have been or are being assigned to mechanics students are described. Seamless design to manufacturing capabilities have been used in courses at all levels of undergraduate instruction. In particular, efforts at integrating these concepts into the departmental freshman-level fundamentals of mechanical engineering course have served as the ultimate test of the practicality of using sophisticated software packages in large undergraduate courses. Current outcomes and future plans for this effort are also summarized.
Imidazole binding to Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome c2. Effect of site-directed mutants on ligand binding.

Although ligand binding in c-type cytochromes is not directly related to their physiological function, it has the potential to provide valuable information on protein stability and dynamics, particularly in the region of the methionine sixth heme ligand and the nearby peptide chain that has been implicated in electron transfer. Thus, we have measured the equilibrium and kinetics of binding of imidazole to eight mutants of Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome c 2 that differ in overall protein stability. We found that imidazole binding affinity varies 70-fold, but does not correlate with overall protein stability. Instead, each mutant exerts an effect at the local level, with the largest change due to mutant G95E (glycine substituted by glutamate), which shows 30-fold stronger binding as compared with the wild-type protein. The kinetics of imidazole binding are monophasic and reach saturation at high ligand concentrations for all the mutants and wild-type protein, which is attributed to a rate-limiting conformational change leading to breakage of the iron–methionine bond and providing a binding site for imidazole. The mutants show as much as an 18-fold variation in the first-order rate constant for the conformational change, with the largest effect found with mutant G95E. The kinetics also show a lack of correlation with overall protein stability, but are consistent with localized effects on the dynamics of hinge region 88–102 of the protein, which changes conformation to permit ligand binding. These results are consistent with R. capsulatus cytochrome c 2 stabilizing the complex through hydrogen bonding to the imidazole. The larger effects of mutant G95E on equilibrium and kinetics are likely to be due to its location within the hinge region adjacent to heme ligand methionine 96, which is displaced by imidazole.
Location of the Second Gene Required for Expression of the Leukemia-Associated Mouse Antigen GIX

Some mouse strains express G IX antigen on their thymocytes; others do not. Expression depends on two genes, Gv-1 and Gv-2, in linkage groups IX and I, respectively. Cells producing leukemia virus, however, express G IX antigen regardless of their inherited Gv-1 and Gv-2 genotype.
Efficacy of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization for Detecting PML/RARA Gene Fusion in Treated and Untreated Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Objective To test the efficacy of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for detection of fusion of the promyelocytic leukemia ( PML ) and retinoic acid receptor alpha ( RARA ) genes in patients with treated or untreated acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Design We conducted a retrospective blind study on a series of stored bone marrow specimens from normal subjects and patients with APL. Material and Methods Conventional cytogenetic and FISH analyses were done on interphase and metaphase cells in specimens from 31 normal subjects and 19 patients with untreated or treated APL. Results From 25 of the normal specimens, we calculated a normal cutoff of 10% for interphase cells and 0% for metaphase cells. With use of these criteria, the other six specimens from normal subjects showed normal findings, and each of the seven specimens from patients with untreated APL was abnormal by FISH analysis. The specimens from four patients in clinical relapse or with residual APL were abnormal. Of the eight specimens from patients in clinical remission, three were abnormal; two of these patients had a relapse within 8 months, and the other patient had received 1 month of chemotherapy and was entering remission. Of the other five patients in remission, four had normal FISH results and have now been in remission for 2.5 to 10 years. The other patient in remission with normal FISH results had a relapse within 6 months. PML/RARA fusion was detectable in three patients with hypogranular APL and in three with a cytogenetic variant of the t(15;17). Conclusion The results of this study suggest that FISH with PML and RARA probes can be used to diagnose APL and may be useful for monitoring treated patients.
Why Have Women Become Left-Wing? The Political Gender Gap and the Decline in Marriage

The last three decades have witnessed the rise of a pohtical gender gap in the United States wherein more women than men favor the Democratic party. We trace this development to the decline in marriage, which we posit has made men richer and women poorer. Data for the United States support this argument. First, there is a strong positive correlation between state divorce prevalence and the political gender gap—higher divorce prevalence reduces support for the Democrats among men but not women. Second, longitudinal data show that following marriage (divorce), women are less (more) likely to support the Democratic party.
Individual differences in cognition: Relationship between verbal ability and memory for order

Abstract The crucial role of order information in language has led to the suggestion that psychometrically measured verbal ability may be related to memory for order. The literature pertaining to this hypothesis is briefly reviewed and various methodological difficulties discussed. The results of three experiments indicated that (a) order and item information may be retained separately; (b) verbal ability is related to the short-term recall of order; (c) verbal ability is unrelated to memory for order when testing involves recognition rather than recall; and (d) the relationship between verbal ability and memory for order is most pronounced when the originally presented order must be transformed at output (as in the “digits backward” task). An output process in which material is decoded and held in an output buffer until decoding is complete is viewed as the most likely locus of the verbal ability-memory for order relationship.
Physical mapping and characterization of Chlamydomonas mitochondrial DNA molecules: their unique ends, sequence homogeneity, and conservation.

Abstract Sixteen site-specific endonucleases were used to characterize the mitochondrial (mt)-DNA of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Recognition sites for SmaI, XhoI, and BglII were absent in the mtDNA. mtDNA fragments appeared in stoichiometric proportions in every nuclease digest indicating that C. reinhardtii mtDNA consists of a homogenous population of molecules devoid of either inter- or intramolecular heterogeneity. Six DNA fragment maps were derived for those endonucleases that produced discrete and readily measurable DNA fragments. These maps, which exhibited marked internal consistency, also suggested that the linear mtDNA molecules possessed unique ends. This was subsequently confirmed by in vitro 5′-end labeling of mtDNA molecules prior to endonuclease digestion. These results indicate that (1) the linear mtDNA isolated under our experimental conditions possessed not only unique ends but also a nonpermuted gene sequence and (2) such mtDNA molecules were generated by a site-specific cleavage of the closed circular mtDNA molecules shown to exist in vivo. mtDNA sequence conservation in Chlamydomonas is quite striking. No difference in endonuclease cleavage pattern has yet been detected among a number of C. reinhardtii strains or between mating types.
Direct visualization of tear film on soft contact lens using ultra-high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography

The integrity of the tear film on the surface of contact lenses is essential to maintaining visual clarity and the overall health of the superficial structures of the eye (cornea and conjunctiva) for contact lens wearers. It is very critical to evaluate pre- and post-lens tear films in contact lens practice to make sure the lens is properly fitted. Improper lens fitting may cause ocular discomfort, visual distortion and ocular infection. It is very often for soft contact lens wearers to experience dry eye, especially in the afternoon after wearing the lens for a period of time. Dry eye has been a common cause of contact lens drop-off. There is currently no method available to directly visualize the tears on and underneath the contact lens in situ on human eye, mainly due to the extremely difficulty in imaging the micrometer-thin tear layer. An ultra-high resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography has been developed with a telecentric light delivery system mounted with a slit-lamp. The system has a 3 micrometer depth resolution with a scan width up to 15 mm. The system was used to image soft contact lenses on the human eye. For the first time to our knowledge, tear films on the center and edge of the soft contact lens were directly visualized in vivo.
Fiscal policy in a small open economy An integration of the short-run, Heckscher-Ohlin and capital accumulation models

this paper incorporates the response to fiscal policies described by the Heckscher-Ohllin and sector-specific-capital models within a more general framework of two-sector growth, for a small open e ...
Expandable metal biliary stents before pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer: a Monte-Carlo decision analysis.

Background & Aims: Endoscopic placement of plastic or self-expandable metal biliary stents (SEMS) relieves obstructive jaundice from pancreatic cancer. Short-length, distally placed SEMS do not preclude subsequent pancreaticoduodenectomy. We sought to determine whether SEMS placement in patients whose surgical status is uncertain is cost-effective for management of obstructive jaundice. Methods: A Markov model was constructed to evaluate costs and outcomes associated with endoscopic biliary stenting for obstructive jaundice. Strategies evaluated were: (1) initial plastic stent with plastic stents for subsequent occlusions in nonsurgical candidates after staging (plastic followed-up by [f/u] plastic), (2) initial plastic with subsequent SEMS (plastic f/u metal), (3) initial short-length SEMS with subsequent plastic (metal f/u plastic), and (4) initial short-length SEMS with subsequent expandable metal stent (metal f/u metal). Published stent occlusion rates, ERCP complication rates and outcomes, cholangitis rates and outcomes, pancreatic cancer mortality rates, and Whipple complication rates were used. Costs were based on 2004 Medicare standard allowable charges and were accrued until all patients reached an absorbing health state (death or pancreaticoduodenectomy) or 24 cycles (24 mo) ended. Results: Average costs per patient from Monte Carlo simulation were: (1) metal f/u metal, $19,935; (2) plastic f/u metal, $20,157; (3) metal f/u plastic, $20,871; and (4) plastic f/u plastic, $20,878. For initial plastic stents to be preferred over short-length metal stents, 70% or more of pancreatic cancers would need to be potentially resectable by pancreaticoduodenectomy. Conclusions: In patients undergoing ERCP before definitive cancer staging, short-length SEMS is the preferred initial cost-minimizing strategy.
Microalbuminuria is not associated with cisplatin-induced azotemia in dogs.

Background: Cisplatin is an effective antineoplastic agent but its use is limited by renal toxicity. Microalbuminuria is a marker of renal damage and might be an indicator of cisplatin-induced azotemia. Null Hypothesis: Microalbuminuria is not associated with azotemia in dogs treated with cisplatin. Animals: This study used 32 client-owned dogs. Methods: This was a prospective observational study in which cancer-bearing dogs were treated with cisplatin chemotherapy. Cisplatin-induced azotemia was defined as an increase of serum creatinine concentration above the reference range. Serum creatinine concentration, other routine tests of renal function, and microalbuminuria were measured after each cisplatin treatment. Variables potentially associated with azotemia were compared by use of Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Results: Cisplatin-induced azotemia occurred in 10 (31%) dogs after 1–5 treatments. At each of the first 3 treatments, the proportions of dogs with microalbuminuria were similar between dogs with and without azotemia. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Microalbuminuria measured after each treatment was not associated with azotemia through the first 3 treatments. Testing for microalbuminuria as a marker for cisplatin-induced renal damage is insensitive and not recommended.
Media Ethics on a Higher Order of Magnitude

Between Summits I and II, media ethics established its legitimacy, summarized into recommendations for the field's future fluorescence. This history points to the challenges through which media ethics moves to another order of magnitude. A historical map of media ethics scholarship since 1980 divides into 5 domains, and each is introduced: theory, social philosophy, religious ethics, technology, and truth. From this content analysis of the literature, an agenda emerges for research and academic study that can raise media ethics to a higher level.
Season primes the brain in an arctic hibernator to facilitate entrance into torpor mediated by adenosine A1 receptors

Torpor in hibernating mammals defines the nadir in mammalian metabolic demand and body temperature that accommodates seasonal periods of reduced energy availability. The mechanism of metabolic suppression during torpor onset is unknown, although the CNS is a key regulator of torpor. Seasonal hibernators, such as the arctic ground squirrel (AGS), display torpor only during the winter, hibernation season. The seasonal character of hibernation thus provides a clue to its regulation. In the present study, we delivered adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists into the lateral ventricle of AGSs at different times of the year while monitoring the rate of O(2) consumption and core body temperature as indicators of torpor. The A(1) antagonist cyclopentyltheophylline reversed spontaneous entrance into torpor. The adenosine A(1) receptor agonist N(6)-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) induced torpor in six of six AGSs tested during the mid-hibernation season, two of six AGSs tested early in the hibernation season, and none of the six AGSs tested during the summer, off-season. CHA-induced torpor within the hibernation season was specific to A(1)AR activation; the A(3)AR agonist 2-Cl-IB MECA failed to induce torpor, and the A(2a)R antagonist MSX-3 failed to reverse spontaneous onset of torpor. CHA-induced torpor was similar to spontaneous entrance into torpor. These results show that metabolic suppression during torpor onset is regulated within the CNS via A(1)AR activation and requires a seasonal switch in the sensitivity of purinergic signaling.
The “Cain” Allusion as a Unifying Theme in Jean Toomer's CANE

One of the central debates surrounding Jean Toomer's Cane involves the search for a unifying theme within the narrative. Repeated motifs, such as the circles and half circles before each section of...
Volatile Chloro- and Chlorofluorocarbons in Lake Erie — 1977 and 1978

Water samples from the central and eastern basins of Lake Erie were analyzed for volatile chloro- and chlorofluorocarbons for a one-week period in each of 1977 and 1978. The following contaminants were observed with mean concentrations and standard deviations in 1978 with the corresponding values for 1977 in parentheses: Dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon 12) 76±38 (73±36) ng°L−1; trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11) 34±26 (46±40) ng·L−1; chloroform 15±4 ng·L−1; carbon tetrachloride 19±11 (37±20) ng·LT−1; trichloroethylene 20±13 (11±9) ng·L−1. Except for carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene, the distribution patterns appear to show little correlation with each other. Chloroform concentrations were relatively uniform, however the carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene concentrations appear to be point-source related with discharges along the south shore of Lake Erie. Freon 12 concentrations were generally higher in the eastern basin than in the central basin, while Freon 11 levels were high and relatively uniform throughout the study area.