cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pension Plans and Retirement Insecurity

Why do we observe higher and higher retirement insecurity over the years? This paper argues that an individual’s retirement insecurity hinges on the interplay between her registered pension scheme and the level of market volatility. A pension scheme reflects the extent to which pension investment risk is individualized, providing the seed for retirement insecurity. The fear for retirement was triggered as capital markets became more volatile over the past decade. Market volatility creates an immediate information shortcut for individuals when forming expectations about post-retirement income that will only be realized in the long run. Due to the “available information bias,” citizens have developed overall downward expectations of retirement income under growing market volatility, forming pessimistic perceptions about retirement. This pessimism is more striking among those with a Defined Contribution pension scheme than those with a Defined Benefit plan because of the risk individualization feature. The argument is tested with data from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS). The findings suggest that individuals’ perceptions of insecurity in post-working life are driven by the type of pension plan in which they are enrolled and the degree of market fluctuation facing them.
Quantitative Imaging of CO2 Transfer at an Unsheared Free Surface

We present laboratory measurements of simultaneous velocity and concentration fields for the transfer of CO2 across a free surface. The interface is subject to the effects of free shear turbulence generated far beneath the surface, exhibiting low mean flow and excellent homogeneity. From measurements of the spatio-temporal mass flux we examine coherent structures below the free surface, as well as one-point statistics to better understand the fundamental physics of turbulent transport at a free surface in the absence of mean shear. We observe surface penetration events caused by bulk fluid impacting the interface from below, as well as downwelling events in which the near-surface fluid is injected into the bulk in narrow filaments. Both types of events contribute to the turbulent mass flux, and we measure that downwelling events are responsible for at least as much mass transfer as the upwellings on which existing models are based. Our measurements indicate that the dominant length and time scales are different for upwellings and downwellings; the quantification of these will be important to modeling efforts.
Some properties of T cells in animals.

T cells in animals have several unexpected properties. The work described here concerns two of these properties. The first property to be discussed concerns the fact that T cells divide in the apparent absence of antigen when transferred to T cell deficient mice. The second investigates the finding that memory T cells contain very large amounts of mRNA for certain chemokines. These two phenomena will be discussed in separate sections below.
Do opposites attract? Assimilation and differentiation as relationship-building strategies

In addressing the call for the application of learning from other domains to the sales context, our work integrates the optimal distinctiveness theory with the study of buyer–seller relationships. ...
Subunit joining exposes nascent pre-40S rRNA for processing and quality control

Abstract During their maturation, nascent 40S subunits enter a translation-like quality control cycle, where they are joined by mature 60S subunits to form 80S-like ribosomes. While these assembly intermediates are essential for maturation and quality control, how they form, and how their structure promotes maturation and quality control remains unknown. To address these questions, we solved the structure of an 80S-like ribosome assembly intermediate to an overall resolution of 3.4 A. The structure, validated by biochemical data herein, resolves a large body of previously paradoxical data and illustrates how assembly and translation factors cooperate to promote the formation of an interface that lacks many mature subunit contacts but is stabilized by the universally conserved Dim1. The structure also shows how this interface leads to unfolding of the platform, which allows for temporal regulation of the ATPase Fap7 and the nuclease Nob1, thus linking quality-control and 40S maturation during ribosome assembly.
Evaluating the July Effect in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Part I-Mandibular Fractures.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether the timing of mandibular fracture repair within the academic year affects the complication rate using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Materials and Methods The ACS-NSQIP database was accessed and queried from 2008 to 2017 for all Current Procedural Terminology codes pertaining to open treatment of mandibular fractures. The cases were stratified into 2 groups based on academic quarter: the quarter 1 (Q1) group (July-September) and the remaining-quarters group. The inclusion criteria encompassed all Current Procedural Terminology codes in the ACS-NSQIP registry that defined mandibular fractures and age greater than 18 years. Demographic characteristics, as well as medical and surgical complications, were compared between the 2 cohorts. Descriptive statistics were calculated to characterize and compare patient cohorts, and Fisher exact test and χ2 analyses were performed to compare complication rates between groups. Results The Q1 group included 614 cases, and the remaining-quarters group included 1,454. The most common individual complications included wound dehiscence (1.6% overall; 2.1% in Q1 group vs 1.4% in remaining-quarters group, P = .22), combined superficial and deep-space infection (4.9% overall; 4.4% in Q1 group vs 3.3% in remaining-quarters group; P = .91 and P = .21, respectively), and reoperation (3.9% overall; 4.6% in Q1 group vs 3.6% in remaining-quarters group, P = .29). Medical complications including acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism, urinary tract infection, and sepsis or septic shock were rare ( Conclusions Our results do not support the idea of a “July effect” regarding postoperative outcomes after mandibular fracture repair. Further studies are needed to elucidate this phenomenon within all procedures under the wide umbrella of the specialty.
Microstructure and Elevated Temperature Flow Properties of Rapidly Solidified TiAl-Base Alloys

Rapid solidification processing (RSP) of TiAl-base alloys often results in the formation of metastable crystalline products (e.g., Ti3Al) A key parameter controlling both the solidification pathway and the stability of the metastable structure is alloy chemistry. This study focuses upon the influence of minor alloy additions on the microstructure and properties of Ti52Al48 alloys produced by RSP. While alloys having minor Ta addi ions (<1 at.%) maintain near-equilibrium solidification structures similar to the binary alloy, the addition of Cr at a level of 5 at.% results in a nearly 100 vol.% metastable Ti3Al structure containing a fine dispersion of TiCr2 grain boundary precipitates. These precipitates limit grain growth during elevated temperature exposure, maintaining the fine (TiAl) grain size created during decomposition of the metastable product structure. Mechanical property evaluation of the consolidated RSP material indicates a greatly reduced flow stress for the fine grained Cr modified alloys. A preliminary analysis attributes this to the reduction in grain size and enhanced elevated temperature diffusion rates for the Cr containing TiAl-base alloys.
Adverse effects and comorbidities

Abstract This chapter first describes that the downstream consequences of nocturia are significant, especially in the elderly with severe nocturia. This is evident with various adverse events and comorbidities associated with nocturia. There is actually a positive correlation between nocturia incidence and a variety of serious medical conditions, and between nocturia incidence and longevity. Unfortunately, many patients and many general practitioners are unaware of the potentially serious and morbid symptom, and assume that it is an inevitable, benign complaint resulting from aging. This chapter also provides information on nocturia imposing negative impacts on affected individuals and its weight on the society as a whole. Nocturia negatively affects the medical costs related to treatment of nocturia and nocturia-related complications such as falls, as well as indirect costs due to reduction in productivity.
Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carriers are not Required for Adipogenesis but are Regulated by High‐Fat Feeding in Brown Adipose Tissue

Objective The objectives of this study were to assess the role of mitochondrial pyruvate carriers (MPCs) in adipocyte development in vitro and determine whether MPCs are regulated in vivo by high-fat feeding in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Methods This study utilized small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown to assess the requirement of MPC1 for adipogenesis in the 3T3-L1 model system. Treatment with UK-5099, a potent pharmacological MPC inhibitor, was also used to assess the loss of MPC activity. Western blot analysis was performed on adipose tissue samples from mice on a low-fat diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Results The loss of MPC expression via small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown or pharmacological inhibition did not affect adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells. In vivo studies indicated that expression of MPCs was significantly decreased in brown adipose tissue of male mice, but not female, on an HFD. Conclusions Although MPCs are essential for pyruvate transport, MPCs are not required for adipogenesis in vitro, suggesting that other substrates can be used for energy production when the MPC complex is not functional. Also, a significant decrease in MPC1 and 2 expression occurred in brown fat, but not white fat, of male mice fed an HFD.
National Trends and School-Level Predictors of Restraint and Seclusion for Students with Disabilities

The use of restraint and seclusion in schools puts students at risk of injury or, in extreme cases, even death. As a result, advocacy organizations and the U.S. Department of Education have develop...
Book reviewDigital Dead End: Fighting for Social Justice in the Information Age, Virginia Eubanks/MIT Press, Cambridge, MA (2011), 266 pages

Digital Dead End presents research on the effects of the high-tech global economy on people who live in persistent poverty in the U.S. The author focuses on how “magical thinking” about technology ...
Analytical quality control of determination of arsenic in water by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Objective To implement analytical quality control(AQC) and predict analysis error of arsenic determination in water by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry,enhancing the technical level of testing arsenic and lab quality control capability,and to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test data.Methods According to the AQC procedure of water quality analysis for evaluating precision and accuracy of trace elements,arsenic content was measured in a blank solution(3％ hydrochloric acid solution),two kinds of standard solution (0.1C,0.9C arsenic standard solution,the C was the upper limit of measuring scope of the analytical method,and in this experiment the C was 20.0 μg/L),natural water sample and standard quality control sample(5.0 μg/L) with hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry corresponding to GB/T 5750.5-2006.Results Of the five kinds of intra-samples and inter-assay,the difference was not significant statistically (F ＜ F0.05,all P ＞ 0.05).Total standard deviation (St) of every solution was less than 5％ of the concentration,the confidence limit of total average rate of recovery(R/d =0.99) was in a allowable range.The proficiency of testing samples were ZWAs =1.04 and ZBAs =1.12.The blind sample testing result was satisfactory.Conclusions Arsenic in water is determined by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry,and the analytical quality control is adopted by precision-bias analysis and accuracy quality control procedure.Ensuring that the error results are in a controlled range and highly reliable analytical results are obtainable. Key words: Atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Drinking; Arsenic ; Quality control
Evaluation of Bunina et al.: Synthesizing Multi-omics Data to Delineate Neuronal Differentiation.

One snapshot of the peer review process for "Genomic rewiring of SOX2 chromatin interaction network during differentiation of ESCs to postmitotic neurons" (Bunina et al., 2020).
Clifford Algebras, Clifford Groups, and the Groups Pin(n) and Spin(n)

The main goal of this chapter is to explain how rotations in \(\mathbb {R}^n\) are induced by the action of a certain group Spin(n) on \(\mathbb {R}^n\), in a way that generalizes the action of the unit complex numbers U(1) on \(\mathbb {R}^2\) and the action of the unit quaternions SU(2) on \(\mathbb {R}^3\) (i.e., the action is defined in terms of multiplication in a larger algebra containing both the group Spin(n) and \(\mathbb {R}^n\)). The group Spin(n), called a spinor group, is defined as a certain subgroup of units of an algebra Cln, the Clifford algebra associated with \(\mathbb {R}^n\). Furthermore, for n ≥ 3, we are lucky, because the group Spin(n) is topologically simpler than the group SO(n). Indeed, for n ≥ 3, the group Spin(n) is simply connected (a fact that it is not so easy to prove without some machinery), whereas SO(n) is not simply connected. Intuitively speaking, SO(n) is more twisted than Spin(n). In fact, we will see that Spin(n) is a double cover of SO(n).
Simple kinetics, assay, and trends for soil microbial catalases.

Abstract In this report, we expand upon the enzymology and ecology of soil catalases through development and application of a simple kinetic model and field-amenable assay based upon volume displacement. Through this approach, we (A) directly relate apparent Michaelis-Menten terms to the catalase reaction mechanism, (B) obtain upper estimates of the intrinsic rate constants for the catalase community ( k 3 ' ), along with moles of catalase per 16S rRNA gene copy number, (C) utilize catalase specific activities (SAs) to obtain biomass estimates of soil and permafrost communities (LOD, ~104 copy number gdw−1), and (D) relate kinetic trends to changes in bacterial community structure. In addition, this novel kinetic approach simultaneously incorporates barometric adjustments to afford comparisons across field measurements. As per our model, and when compared to garden soils, biological soil crusts exhibited ~2-fold lower values for k 3 ' , ≥105-fold higher catalase moles per biomass (250–1200 zmol copy number−1), and ~104-fold higher SAs per biomass (74–230 fkat copy number−1); whereas the highest SAs were obtained from permafrost and high-elevation soil communities (5900–6700 fkat copy number−1). In sum, the total trends suggest that microbial communities which experience higher degrees of native oxidative stress possess higher basal intracellular catalase concentrations and SAs per biomass.
Long Period Modeling SARS-CoV-2 Infection of in Vitro Cultured Polarized Human Airway Epithelium

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replicates throughout human airways. The polarized human airway epithelium (HAE) cultured at an airway-liquid interface (HAE-ALI) is an in vitro model mimicking the in vivo human mucociliary airway epithelium and supports the replication of SARS-CoV-2. However, previous studies only characterized short-period SARS-CoV-2 infection in HAE. In this study, continuously monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 infection in HAE-ALI cultures for a long period of up to 51 days revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection was long lasting with recurrent replication peaks appearing between an interval of approximately 7-10 days, which was consistent in all the tested HAE-ALI cultures derived from 4 lung bronchi of independent donors. We also identified that SARS-CoV-2 does not infect HAE from the basolateral side, and the dominant SARS-CoV-2 permissive epithelial cells are ciliated cells and goblet cells, whereas virus replication in basal cells and club cells was not detectable. Notably, virus infection immediately damaged the HAE, which is demonstrated by dispersed Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression without clear tight junctions and partial loss of cilia. Importantly, we identified that SARS-CoV-2 productive infection of HAE requires a high viral load of 2.5 × 10 5 virions per cm 2 of epithelium. Thus, our studies highlight the importance of a high viral load and that epithelial renewal initiates and maintains a recurrent infection of HAE with SARS-CoV-2.
Mesenchymal and Mixed Epithelial–Stromal Malignant Tumors of the Cervix

Primary cervical mesenchymal and mixed epithelial-stromal tumors are only extraordinarily rarely encountered in the uterine cervix. They are detailed in this chapter because corpus tumors may extend to the cervix. Tumors in this category that are more commonly encountered in cervix than corpus include embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, the extremely rare mesonephric carcinosarcomas, and a certain type of fibroblastic sarcoma (NTRK-associated), and, perhaps, alveolar soft part sarcoma. Each of the many entities presented in this chapter is illustrated, using scenarios that highlight clinical and demographic features.
Development of a Low-Fidelity Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Simulation Model

Study Objective To present an inexpensive, easy to assemble, laparoscopic hysterectomy simulation model. Design Development of a novel low-fidelity model for use in teaching key steps of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Setting Academic medical center. Patients or Participants N/A Interventions A simulation hysterectomy model was constructed utilizing a microphone foam cover, vessel loops, Penrose drain, and felt to represent the uterus, vasculature, bladder/round ligaments, and fallopian tubes, respectively. The model was affixed to a VCare uterine manipulator and paired with a laparoscopic trainer box. Key steps of a laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure can be demonstrated on the model and surgical trainees can utilize the model for simulation training for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Measurements and Main Results N/A Conclusion We have developed a novel, low-fidelity laparoscopic hysterectomy model that is easy to assemble and may be utilized by residents to help bridge the gap between the simulated environment and the operating room. The model may be helpful for novice gynecologic surgeons to learn the basic steps of laparoscopic hysterectomy and for senior gynecology residents to gain confidence in their surgical technique and ability to teach junior gynecology residents.
Alcoholic Liver Disease Patients Listed for Liver Transplantation: An Overview from 2002-2017

ALD patients comprise a larger proportion of listings for liver transplant (LT) than in the past, and represent a population undergoing demographic change in the United States. This study examined the OPTN/UNOS transplantation waitlist STAR files from March 2002 - December 2017. All adults listed for LT were included (n=135,956). Yearly demographic trends in ALD-related listings and listing outcomes (transplantation vs. death on waitlist) were explored. Alcoholic cirrhosis has increased from 4.3% of the LT candidates in 2002 to 8.3% in 2017. While alcoholic hepatitis accounted for only 0.64% of listings in 2017, this has doubled since 2004. The proportion of women listed for ALD increased (21.8% in 2002 vs. 28.34% in 2017). Furthermore, proportionally fewer ALD listings are White patients (79.42% in 2002 vs. 75.66% in 2017). While the proportion of Hispanic LT candidates increased (12.87% vs. 15.94% p=0.00), proportionally, Hispanic ALD patients remained constant (15.68%, 15.84%). Since 2015, the percentage of ALD patients on the waitlist receiving transplants increased (from 41% in 2014 to 45% and 49% in 2015 and 2016). This increase is more than the increase for patients transplanted for non-ALD indications (39% to 40% and 41%). Transplant-to-death ratio increased to 7.6 in 2017 in the ALD group but only to 4.3 in the non-ALD group. This descriptive study provides an update on the relative prevalence of ALD in the LT population, demographic changes, and waitlist outcomes.
Regadenoson Stress Testing: A Comprehensive Review With a Focused Update.

Regadenoson is a pharmacological stress agent that has been widely used since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008. For many years, dipyridamole and adenosine, which are non-selective adenosine receptor agonists, were more popular. However, these agents are less preferred now due to their undesirable adverse effects as compared to regadenoson. In the ADVANCE (ADenoscan Versus regAdenosoN Comparative Evaluation) phase 3 clinical trial, regadenoson demonstrated non-inferiority to adenosine for detecting reversible myocardial ischemia. This review summarizes the clinical utilities of regadenoson as the most widely used pharmacological stress agent. Moreover, the use of regadenoson has been documented in specific patient populations. Although regadenoson has established safety and efficacy in most patients with chronic diseases, there are equivocal results in the literature for other chronic diseases. It is warranted to highlight that the use of regadenoson has not been studied in patients of low socioeconomic class; it is a condition that carries a significant burden on the cardiovascular system.
Saving the International Justice Regime: Beyond Backlash against International Courts

While resistance to international courts is not new, what is new, or at least newly conceptualized, is the politics of backlash against these institutions. Saving the International Justice Regime: Beyond Backlash against International Courts is at the forefront of this new conceptualization of backlash politics. It brings together theories, concepts and methods from the fields of international law, international relations, human rights and political science and case studies from around the globe to pose - and answer - three questions related to backlash against international courts: What is backlash and what forms does it take? Why do states and elites engage in backlash against international human rights and criminal courts? What can stakeholders and supporters of international justice do to meet these contemporary challenges?
Retrospective analysis of standard-of-care imaging in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Lymph node involvement is associated with a worse prognosis for patients with CTCL. However, current radiologic criteria, including RECIST and WHO criteria, may not provide adequate assessment of nodal involvement or response to therapy. Standard radiologic techniques using unidimensional measurement changes to assess lymph node status and response to therapy in CTCL are prone to inter-observer variability. These shortcomings underscore the need for better methodology for staging and assessment of responses in the lymph nodes of CTCL patients. Using a novel algorithm developed by the Department of Radiology at Columbia University for robust and reliable segmentation of lymph nodes on volumetric CT images, we analyzed the CT scans of a cohort of 40 subjects enrolled in the MAVORIC clinical trial. This algorithm combines volumetric, radiomic, and kinetic modeling and was shown to improve accuracy and reproducibility of response assessments in other cancers. We then explored relationships between measured lymph node changes and observed clinical responses. Our radiologists were blinded to the clinical outcomes. In the MAVORIC trial, an investigator and independent reviewer characterized clinical responses in the skin, blood, and lymph nodes. In our cohort, 50% of lymph node response assessments differed between the investigator and independent reviewer. Using our novel CT volumetric technique, we were able to demonstrate remarkable consistency in nodal assessments. Decrease in lymph node volume showed significant correlation with clinical responses in the skin and blood but increase in lymph node volume was not predictive of skin and blood responses or disease progression. For the first time, we were able to provide a novel validated tool for accurate staging and response assessment, applicable to future clinical trials and clinical practice.
A pivotal role for enhanced brainstem Orexin receptor 1 signaling in the central cannabinoid receptor 1-mediated pressor response in conscious rats.

Abstract Orexin receptor 1 (OX 1 R) signaling is implicated in cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB 1 R) modulation of feeding. Further, our studies established the dependence of the central CB 1 R-mediated pressor response on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in the RVLM. Here, we tested the novel hypothesis that brainstem orexin-A/OX 1 R signaling plays a pivotal role in the central CB 1 R-mediated pressor response. Our multiple labeling immunofluorescence findings revealed co-localization of CB 1 R, OX 1 R and the peptide orexin-A within the C1 area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Activation of central CB 1 R following intracisternal (i.c.) WIN55,212-2 (15 μg/rat) in conscious rats caused significant increases in BP and orexin-A level in RVLM neuronal tissue. Additional studies established a causal role for orexin-A in the central CB 1 R-mediated pressor response because (i) selective blockade of central CB 1 R (AM251, 30 μg/rat; i.c.) abrogated WIN55,212-2-evoked increases in RVLM orexin-A level, (ii) the selective OX 1 R antagonist SB-408124 (10 nmol/rat; i.c.) attenuated orexin-A (3 nmol/rat; i.c.) or WIN55,212-2 (15 μg/rat; i.c.)-evoked pressor response while selective CB 1 R blockade (AM251) had no effect on orexin-A (3 nmol/rat; i.c.)-evoked pressor response, (iii) direct CB 1 R activation in the RVLM (WIN55,212-2; 0.1 μg/rat) increased RVLM orexin-A and BP. Finally, SB-408124 attenuated WIN55,212-2-evoked increases in RVLM nNOS and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and BP. Our findings suggest that orexin-A/OX 1 R dependent activation of the RVLM nNOS/ERK1/2 cascade is essential neurochemical mechanism for the central CB 1 R-mediated pressor response in conscious rats.
Measuring the Career Concerns of Security Analysts: Job Separations, Stock Coverage Assignments and Brokerage House Status

This paper examines the career concerns of security analysts using long histories of their earnings forecasts, job separations and stock coverage assignments. Our findings include the following. Relatively good (accurate) past forecast performance increases the probability that an analyst moves from a low status to a high status (large, prestigious) brokerage house, while relatively poor past forecast performance leads to movements down the brokerage house hierarchy. High status brokerage houses are more likely to discharge an analyst for poor past forecast performance than other houses. In addition, analysts with poor past forecast performances but who do not change employers are more likely to be removed from following stocks with large market capitalization or significant analyst following. This effect is also more pronounced for analysts who work for high status brokerage houses. These findings suggest that the labor market for security analysts provides important implicit incentives for analysts to produce good forecast track records.
Derechos, representación y la creciente calidad de la democracia en Brasil y Chile

This article asks what contributes to democratic quality, how it can be measured, and which dimensions matter for public support in Latin America. It examines the components of democracy in two countries, Brazil and Chile, along two dimensions: rights (liberties, law, and equality) and representation (accountability, responsiveness, competition, and participation). The article finds that democracy in Chile is less violent, more effective, cleaner, and fairer than it is in Brazil, but it is also less responsive, accountable, and representative. The article suggests that accountability, responsiveness, and competition stimulate greater citizen participation and loyalty to democracy than good government outputs or even the protection of rights. It concludes by arguing that democratic quality is not permanently constrained by the mode of transition and institutional design but can be improved by the strategic decisions of political actors.
Examining the Efficacy of HIV Risk-Reduction Counseling on the Sexual Risk Behaviors of a National Sample of Drug Abuse Treatment Clients: Analysis of Subgroups

HIV counseling with testing has been part of HIV prevention in the U.S. since the 1980s. Despite the long-standing history of HIV testing with prevention counseling, the CDC released HIV testing recommendations for health care settings contesting benefits of prevention counseling with testing in reducing sexual risk behaviors among HIV-negatives in 2006. Efficacy of brief HIV risk-reduction counseling (RRC) in decreasing sexual risk among subgroups of substance use treatment clients was examined using multi-site RCT data. Interaction tests between RRC and subgroups were performed; multivariable regression evaluated the relationship between RRC (with rapid testing) and sex risk. Subgroups were defined by demographics, risk type and level, attitudes/perceptions, and behavioral history. There was an effect (p < .0028) of counseling on number of sex partners among some subgroups. Certain subgroups may benefit from HIV RRC; this should be examined in studies with larger sample sizes, designed to assess the specific subgroup(s).
Closing the African American Achievement Gap in Higher Education by Alfred P. Rovai, Louis B. Gallien, Jr., and Helen R. Stiff-Williams (Eds.)

That African Americans academically lag behind their White peers is not a new phenomenon in the United States; however, despite many innovative ideas and educational policies that have been propose...
A prevalent peptide-binding domain guides ribosomal natural product biosynthesis

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a rapidly growing class of natural products. RiPP precursor peptides can undergo extensive enzymatic tailoring to yield structurally and functionally diverse products, and their biosynthetic logic makes them attractive bioengineering targets. Recent work suggests that unrelated RiPP-modifying enzymes contain structurally similar precursor peptide-binding domains. Using profile hidden Markov model comparisons, we discovered related and previously unrecognized peptide-binding domains in proteins spanning the majority of known prokaryotic RiPP classes, and we named this conserved domain the RiPP precursor peptide recognition element (RRE). Through binding studies we verified RRE's roles for three distinct RiPP classes: linear azole-containing peptides, thiopeptides and lasso peptides. Because numerous RiPP biosynthetic enzymes act on peptide substrates, our findings have powerful predictive value as to which protein(s) drive substrate binding, thereby laying a foundation for further characterization of RiPP biosynthetic pathways and the rational engineering of new peptide-binding activities.
Building extensible routers using network processors: Research Articles

This paper describes our effort to build extensible routers using a combination of general-purpose and network processors. We emphasize five overriding challenges that dictate our design decisions: (1) optimal resource allocation; (2) efficient but flexible scheduling of the CPU; (3) maintaining overall router robustness; (4) maximizing router performance; and (5) providing sufficient extensibility to enable the injection of new functionality into the router. We adopt a hierarchical architecture, in which packet flows traverse a range of processingsforwarding paths, thereby partitioning hardware and software in concert. This paper both presents the architecture, and describes our experiences implementing the architecture and addressing the five design challenges in a prototype built from Intel IXP 1200 and a Pentium. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast-feeding by a cyclosporine-treated mother.

Abstract Background: Cyclosporine is known to be excreted in breast milk, but levels in infants are not known. Post-transplant breast-feeding has been contraindicated in mothers treated with calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine. Case: A 35-year-old woman exclusively breast-fed her infant during the first 10.5 months of life while she was being treated with cyclosporine. Cyclosporine measurements in infant and maternal blood and breast milk revealed a mean breast milk/maternal blood level ratio of 84%, but undetectable levels in the infant. The infant grew and developed normally. Conclusion: The infant of a cyclosporine-treated mother was breast-fed exclusively during the first 10.5 months of life and did not absorb a detectable amount of the drug. Fetal growth and development were normal.
Identification of polymorphisms in ultraconserved elements associated with clinical outcomes in locally advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Ultraconserved elements (UCEs) are noncoding genomic sequences that completely identical among human, mouse, and rat species and harbor critical biologic functions. The authors hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within UCEs are associated with clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Forty-eight SNPs within UCEs were genotyped in 662 patients with stage I through III CRC. The associations between genotypes and recurrence and survival were analyzed in patients with stage II or III CRC who received fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy using a training and validation design. The training set included 115 patients with stage II disease and 170 patients with stage III disease, and the validation set included 88 patients with stage II disease and 112 patients with stage III disease. RESULTS: Eight SNPs were associated with clinical outcomes stratified by disease stage. In particular, for patients with stage II CRC who had at least 1 variant allele of reference SNP sequence 7849 (rs7849), a consistent association with increased recurrence risk was observed in the training set (hazard ratio [HR], 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-5.52), in the replication set (HR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.42-9.64), and in a meta-analysis (HR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.54-5.41). Several other SNPs were significant in the training set but not in the validation set. These included rs2421099, rs16983007, and rs10211390 for recurrence and rs6590611 for survival in patients with stage II disease; and SNPs rs6124509 and rs11195893 for recurrence in patients with stage III disease. In addition, a significant cumulative effect was observed of multiple risk genotypes and potential gene-gene interactions on recurrence risk. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the association between SNPs within UCEs and clinical outcome in patients with CRC. The results suggested that SNPs within UCEs may be valuable prognostic biomarkers for patients with locally advanced CRC who receive 5-fluorouracil–based chemotherapy. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Estimating the Effects of Habitat and Biological Interactions in an Avian Community

We used repeated sightings of individual birds encountered in community-level surveys to investigate the relative roles of habitat and biological interactions in determining the distribution and abundance of each species. To analyze these data, we developed a multispecies N-mixture model that allowed estimation of both positive and negative correlations between abundances of different species while also estimating the effects of habitat and the effects of errors in detection of each species. Using a combination of single- and multispecies N-mixture modeling, we examined for each species whether our measures of habitat were sufficient to account for the variation in encounter histories of individual birds or whether other habitat variables or interactions with other species needed to be considered. In the community that we studied, habitat appeared to be more influential than biological interactions in determining the distribution and abundance of most avian species. Our results lend support to the hypothesis that abundances of forest specialists are negatively affected by forest fragmentation. Our results also suggest that many species were associated with particular types of vegetation as measured by structural attributes of the forests. The abundances of 6 of the 73 species observed in our study were strongly correlated. These species included large birds (American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) and Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)) that forage on the ground in open habitats and small birds (Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus), House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina), and Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor)) that are associated with dense shrub cover. Species abundances were positively correlated within each size group and negatively correlated between groups. Except for the American Crow, which preys on eggs and nestlings of small song birds, none of the other 5 species is known to display direct interactions, so we suspect that the correlations may have been associated with species-specific responses to habitat components not adequately measured by our covariates.
Statewide Implementation of Evidence-Based Programs

Evidence-based programs will be useful to the extent they produce benefits to individuals on a socially significant scale. It appears the combination of effective programs and effective implementation methods is required to assure consistent uses of programs and reliable benefits to children and families. To date, focus has been placed primarily on generating evidence and determining degrees of rigor required to qualify practices and programs as “evidence-based.” To be useful to society, the focus needs to shift to defining “programs” and to developing state-level infrastructures for statewide implementation of evidence-based programs and other innovations in human services. In this article, the authors explicate a framework for accomplishing these goals and discuss examples of the framework in use.
Consequence Management Assessment Method Synthesis for Combatant Commands

One of the most important roles that the US fulfills in the global war on terror and their integration with Partner Nations (PNs) is minimizing the threats and effects of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) attacks by enemy nations, rogue elements, or terrorist groups around the world. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) currently implements an assessment framework for determining a PN’s state of CBRNE readiness, but it is unable to conceptualize that assessment at a regional or Combatant Command (CCMD) level. This research uses the Systems Decision Process (SDP) to create an assessment metric that is capable of synchronizing PN CBRNE readiness across a CCMD into a single assessment. This research is focused on developing an effective and flexible Microsoft Access database, which evaluates all global PNs across a wide array of metrics and then synthesizes them through multi-purpose objectives in order to develop an encompassing assessment framework at the CCMD level.
The effects of dietary lipids on gene expression and apoptosis

The immune system protects the body from the constant bombardment of invading micro-organisms and other non-self molecules which could have detrimental effects on the host. A key cell in this protective system is the T lymphocyte, which plays a critical role in determining the type and magnitude of the immune response. Immunoregulation by the T lymphocyte is mediated, in part, by the profile of cytokines (hormone-like molecules) it produces. The fundamental mechanism leading to the propagation of T lymphocytes involves their activation, leading to the production of interleukin (1L)-2 and subsequent proliferation referred to as clonal expansion. Depending on the mode of activation, T lymphocytes will differentiate into either a helper Th-1 or Th-2 cell, as is the case with the CD4+ T lymphocytes, or become a cytotoxic T lymphocyte as with the CD8+ cells. The Th-1 cell produces primarily IL-2, interferon-y, and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), resulting in enhanced cell-mediated or cytotoxic responses. The Th-2 cell produces IL-4, -5, -6, and -10, generating a humoral or antibodymediated immune response. The T lymphocyte cannot properly differentiate without the help of accessory cells possessing co-stimulatory receptors andlor secreting co-stimulatory cytokines. The two classic accessory cells are the B lymphocyte and the macrophage. Both these cells present antigen to the T lymphocyte, enabling the T lymphocyte to determine the type (e.g. cell-mediated or humoral) of response necessary to successfully defend against the invading agent. This is accomplished with the help of co-stimulatory receptors and molecules produced by both the T lymphocyte and accessory cells. Several co-stimulatory receptors are involved, including intercellular adhesion molecules, lymphocyte-functionassociated antigen, cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4, CD28, B7-1, B7-2, CD2, 040 and CD40 ligand receptors. Additionally, the accessory cell can produce cytokines such as IL-1 which also assist the T lymphocyte in propagating a response (Abbas et al. 1991). These complex intercellular interactions involve the influence of fatty acid composition of membranes on membrane fluidity, membrane-associated proteins and extracellular receptors which facilitate immune system homeostasis in the host. Effect of n-3 fatty acids on the immune system
Recent Advances on Small-Molecule Survivin Inhibitors

Abstract Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosisproteins family, is highly expressed in most human neoplasms, but its expression is very low or undetectable in terminally differentiated normal tissues. Survivin has been shown to inhibit cancer cell apoptosis and promote cell proliferation. The overexpression of survivin closely correlates with tumor progression and drug resistance. Because of its key role in tumor formation and maintenance, survivin is considered as an ideal target for anticancer treatment. However, the development of small-molecule survivin inhibitors has been challenging due to the requirement to disrupt the protein-protein interactions. Currently only a limited number of survivin inhibitors have been developed in recent years, and most of these inhibitors reduce survivin levels by interacting with other biomolecules instead of directly interacting with survivin protein. Despite these challenges, developing potent and selective small-molecule survivin inhibitors will be important in both basic science to better understand survivin biology and in translational research to develop potentially more effective, broad-spectrum anticancer agents. In this review, the functions of survivin and its role in cancer are summarized. Recent developments, challenges, and future direction of small-molecule survivin inhibitors are also discussed in detail.
Tests on combined projection/forward differencing integration for stiff photochemical family systems at long time step

Abstract Accurate estimates of final tracer concentrations guide adjustment of individual species levels so that forward integration of stiff families can proceed at time steps an order of magnitude larger than inherent loss constants. Maintenance of a unified concentration vector in the solver ensures mass conservation. The sequence was perfected by raising the step size upward from 100 s in a standard 25 family 45 species stratospheric box model with explicit Euler numerics. Projections were inserted as instabilities arose. Ultimately, a uniform Δt of 1 h was achieved from 20–50 km at mid-latitudes. Results were compared over five equinoctial diurnal cycles with runs at 0.1 and 1 s steps in which every constituent other than the individual atoms, CHO and CH3O, was handled separately. Agreement was better than 10−2 for the major reservoirs in almost all cases, and was equally close for radicals between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., provided that photolysis constants were time averaged. The few exceptions were due to experimentation with a linearized implicit concentration predictor, or to the approximations underlying family partitioning recipes. CPU timings extrapolated to a hypothetical GCM grid suggest that 3-D modeling will be possible at the level of chemical resolution in the programs.
Use of spreadsheets in thermal analysis. Part 4

Abstract Recently, spreadsheet procedures were successfully utilized by the present author to ascertain the activation energy E and reaction order n, or E and the mechanism, from TG or DTA data. In this paper, such procedures are applied, using another algorithm, to theoretical TG data, to TG data for magnesium hydroxide (MH) and finally to DTA data for benzenediazonium chloride in aqueous solution (BDC). The aim of this paper is to popularize and extend the implementation of spreadsheets in thermal analysis.
Improved transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of cultured cells through a "floating sheet" method

Abstract Cultured cells provide isolated systems for both biochemical and morphological studies. Previous methods of processing cell culture specimens for electron microscopy (EM) have been limited to sectioning either a monolayer or centrifuged cell suspensions which are not morphologically intact. In our improved method, N -butylglycidyl ether is added to cell cultures (2–5 min with agitation) following in situ fixation (3.0% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M Pipes, pH 7.2, for 20 min, osmium tetraoxide 4% for 20 min). A thin pliable “sheet” of cells floats free from the plastic culture device and can be manipulated (centrifuged or folded) to obtain a vast number of morphologically intact cells for examination. We have examined several cell types (vascular smooth muscle, lung, liver, and endothelial cells) grown in two types of plastic culture flasks (Nunc and Falcon). This new method provides excellent EM morphology, maximizes the number of cells examined, and allows determination of cell orientation since a remnant of the dissolved flask remains loosely bound to the bottom of the cells.